VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The City of Valley City police chief hiring committee has selected three finalists. Initial interviews were held with eight candidates on August 16 – 18.  Additional interviews will be conducted with the finalists on Monday, August 28.

Sergeant Nicholas Horner, Valley City Police Department.  Sgt. Horner is a life-long Valley City resident who has worked for the Police Department for 11 years, receiving promotions to Field Training Officer and then Patrol Sergeant.  He is a graduate of Lake Region State College (AAS – Criminal Justice) and Valley City State University (BS – Career & Technical Education).  Sgt. Horner supervises the local alcohol server training program and serves as the department Community Relations Officer.

Officer Sean Hagen, Valley City Police Department.  Officer Hagen has worked for the Valley City Police Department for a total of 13 years as a patrol officer, Field Training Officer, Instructor, Patrol Supervisor, and for the last six years as School Resource Officer for Valley City Public Schools.  Officer Hagen received a BS in Criminal Justice (Minor in Psychology) from North Dakota State University.  He is certified as an instructor in Active Shooter Response, Ground Control and Spontaneous Knife Defense, has received a Life Saving award, and was named Officer of the Year in 2014.  Officer Hagen has further served the Valley City community by helping to obtain a grant for school safety resources and equipment; serving on community focus groups for safety, mental health, and substance abuse; conducting school presentations; and participating in community improvement programs such as Check and Connect Mentorship for at risk youth.

Trooper Brett Westbrook, Minnesota State Patrol. Trooper Westbrook has worked for the Minnesota State Patrol for 19 years, and is currently assigned to the State Capitol Complex in St. Paul. He previously served as a patrol officer and Gang Unit Detective with the Arlington Texas Police Department from 1999 to 2004.  After graduating with a BA in Spanish/Secondary Education from Bethel University, Trooper Westbrook began his career as a high school Spanish teacher in Wisconsin and Minnesota from 1996 to 1999.  He has received numerous recognitions and awards with the Highway Patrol including Meritorious Service, Exceptional Service, Life Saving award, Commissioner’s award, Chief’s award, and Captain’s award.  He has also been nominated as trooper of the year and officer of the year, and has received regional and national recognition for canine narcotics detection.  Trooper Westbrook is actively involved in his local community, holding a substitute teaching license and coaching for the Pine City High School boys varsity hockey team.