Two veterans in the Stillwater Police Department will take on key leadership positions beginning this Friday.
City Manager Norman McNickle is pleased to announce Criminal Investigations Commander Lt. Jeff Watts is the next chief of police and Officer Shannon Jordan will be appointed assistant chief of police.
A member of the SPD for 27 years, Watts has experience in patrol, training and investigations.
“Lt. Watts is a dedicated member and a proven leader in our police force,” McNickle said. “We are proud to have him lead the SPD and the vital public safety services they provide for our community going forward.”
Watts earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in leadership from Mid-America Christian University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
“It is a great privilege for me to protect this community and work in this department,” Watts said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to serve Stillwater and our residents as their chief of police.”
During the selection process, four candidates were interviewed, including Jordan, who has also been with the department for 27 years.
“The interview board was very impressed with Officer Jordan’s resume and leadership experience, as well as the innovative ideas he brought to the table,” McNickle said.
Jordan is a 29-year veteran of the U.S. Army and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was deployed to southwest Asia three times and received a Bronze Star Medal for his leadership.
“I have a great respect for Officer Jordan and we have worked together on the SWAT team and the patrol division,” Watts said. “We are lucky to have him on our team and we will be employing some of his ideas, especially in the patrol division where he will have primary responsibility.”
Jordan earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from East Central University and completed every U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officers’ leadership course available.
“I am honored for the trust incoming-Chief Watts, City Manager McNickle, the interview board and more have placed in me to serve our community and the department in this new role,” Jordan said.
Former Chief of Police Ryan McCaghren retired from the department on Nov. 20, 2018. The leadership transition will begin on Jan. 25, 2019.
“I am looking forward to watching this new team continue to strengthen the great reputation the Stillwater Police Department holds,” McNickle said. “We have great talent amongst our ranks in the SPD, and we are grateful for their service.”
The interview board consisted of McNickle, Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer Melissa Reames, Human Resources Director Christy Luper, Oklahoma State University Public Safety Director Mike Robinson, Payne County District Attorney Laura Thomas and Stillwater Fraternal Order of Police President Todd Perry.
Update:
Community members are invited to witness a pinning ceremony for our newest chief of police and assistant chief of the Stillwater Police Department.
Chief of Police Jeff Watts and Assistant Chief Shannon Jordan will be pinned in a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 1. The ceremony will start at 3 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at the Stillwater Municipal Building, 723. S. Lewis St.
The ceremony will also broadcast live on Suddenlink channel 14 and AT&T U-verse channel 99 for those who cannot attend in person. A recording of the ceremony will also replay on the stations through the month of February and put on the Stillwater Police Department’s YouTube page.
RSVPs are not required to attend the event.