WARDEN – The Warden Police Department has a new leader, Chief Jeff Gann, an officer with nearly two decades of law enforcement experience. Gann started his job Monday and will be officially sworn in by the mayor during the Sept. 23 regular council meeting.  

Following a career at the Castle Rock Police Department, he honed his skills in a variety of roles, including as a defensive tactics instructor and as a corporal, he said.  

Gann's journey into law enforcement began more than two decades ago, spurred by a pivotal moment in history.  

"I was working as a safety coordinator at Warehouser Corporation in Longview, Wash., on Sept. 11, 2001," Gann recalled. "Watching the Twin Towers get attacked changed my perspective completely. I realized I wanted to do something to make a difference in my community.”  

This realization led him to become a reserve police officer in 2003, two years after the events that shaped his resolve. 

His career saw him rise through the ranks at Castle Rock, where he was hired as a full-time officer in 2004. The Castle Rock Police Department employs four full-time officers and the chief, and in a small agency like Castle Rock, officers are required to juggle multiple roles. Gann's chief encouraged him to pursue various training to enhance his skill set.  

"My chief at the time pushed me to go to different trainings and learn various disciplines," Gann said. "It was crucial for our small department to have officers well-versed in multiple areas." 

By 2007, Gann found an interest in defensive tactics, which led to his instruction at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Burien, where he taught for 13 years. In addition to teaching defensive tactics, he became proficient in firearms and patrol tactics. He was an instructor at Lower Columbia College for five years, teaching college students about physical evidence. Gann also has experience in supervising law enforcement cadets and reserve officers during his tenure. 

In 2022, Gann was promoted to corporal at Castle Rock Police Department.  

Gann said he was initially hesitant to apply for an administrative role, however after further consideration he decided it was important for him to pass on knowledge that he had gained from previous mentors and leaders. 

“If you would have asked me ten years ago, I would have said, ‘There was no way I would ever become an administrator.’ I like working on the road. I still, to this day, like working the road. I like chasing bad guys and doing the fun stuff. But I have had some really good mentors over the years that showed me the way an agency should be run,” Gann said. “As time progressed, I realized that I would like to pass that knowledge onto another group of people.”  

As Gann transitions from Castle Rock to Warden, he acknowledged the challenges he faced in understanding the nuances of a new department. Although both cities are similar in population, Castle Rock sees more tourists because of nearby travel corridors. 

“Castle Rock is a bit busier due to its proximity to the I-5 corridor and multiple highways,” he said. “While Warden isn’t as fast-paced, it’s still busy and there are still significant responsibilities that come with this position.” 

In his initial days as chief, Gann emphasized the importance of getting to know the department. 

“My goals are to help the department improve in any areas that need attention,” he said. 

So far, his focus has been on meeting officers and understanding the department's existing protocols. 

Warden's previous administration set the stage for Gann's arrival, but there will likely be some changes coming under Gann’s leadership. 

“There will be changes, but I believe in a collaborative approach,” he said. “Any alterations will be made with input from the officers and other department heads to ensure we are moving forward for the betterment of the department.” 

With a philosophy centered on community service, Gann intends to forge strong relationships with Warden's residents.  

"The police department's first responsibility is to the citizens of the city,” Gann said. “They have a responsibility to keep the peace and make the jurisdiction a safe place for the citizens to thrive in.”  

Gann said his approach reflects a commitment to openness. 

“I have an open-door policy,” he said. “If you have concerns, please feel free to stop by, and we can chat.” 

Gann said he has plans to go out and introduce himself to the community and business owners as soon as he gets more settled into the role.  

The new chief's dedication extends beyond operational duties; he also plans to address public safety and crisis management through collaboration with various community stakeholders, including the local school district.  

“It’s crucial to refine existing protocols and make sure officers are trained to handle incidents appropriately,” Gann said. 

As he embarks on this new chapter in Warden, Gann also remains grounded in his personal life. He and his wife are avid Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy camping, hiking, hunting, and spending time with their family, he said. 

“We love being outdoors and making the most of our time together,” he said of his relationship with his wife and their adult sons and grandchild. 

Balancing community engagement with law enforcement responsibilities is paramount for Gann. As he settles into his new role, he said he remains committed to maintaining the safety and security of Warden while promoting a culture of trust and collaboration. 

“I'm excited about the challenges ahead,” he said. “This is a community I believe in, and working together, we can make a positive impact.”