Marion residents and members of the business community are invited to a public reception on Wednesday, July 9, to meet the four finalists who will be interviewing to be Marion’s next chief of police. The open house will take place at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th Street, Marion from 6-7:30 p.m.
One internal candidate and three external candidates will be interviewed to lead the department of 48 sworn officers, 10 dispatchers and six civilian employees. Former Chief of Police Mike Kitsmiller retired earlier this spring.
The candidates, listed alphabetically, include:
Nott has been in law enforcement for over 29 years, serving his entire career with the Marion (Iowa) Police Department. He currently serves as the deputy police chief. Nott earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Northern Iowa in 1996. He obtained advanced training through participation in the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy and is a 2024 graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Riniker has over three decades of experience as a member of the Linn County (Iowa) Sheriff’s Office where he presently serves as chief deputy. Riniker holds a Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice from Purdue University Global, a bachelor’s degree from Kaplan University and an associate’s degree from Hawkeye Community College. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI LEEDS Program and holds several advanced leadership credentials. In 2024, Riniker became a certified diversity professional.
Sprague has 25 years of dedicated law enforcement experience, including 19 years with the Des Moines (Iowa) Police Department where he currently holds the rank of police lieutenant. Sprague obtained a Master of Public Administration from Columbia Southern University, a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management Administration from Utah Valley University and an Associate of Arts degree from Des Moines Area Community College. He attended Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command in 2021 and founded the Peer Support Foundation in 2017 to enhance the strength and resilience of first responders nationwide.
Stewart began her law enforcement career with the Oak Park (Illinois) Police Department in 2006, previously working in the social work field. She currently serves as commander of the Investigations & Community Policing Unit. Stewart holds a Master of Social Work from Chicago State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Barber-Scotia College. She also attended Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command in 2023…