Josh Dryden could become the next police chief of the Haines Borough if a contract agreement is reached with the current acting chief and is approved by the assembly.
Manager Annette Kreitzer said she met with Dryden on Feb. 5 and presented a proposal. Dryden told CVN on Tuesday he is reviewing the contract and speaking with other public safety officials before deciding his next steps.
Heath Scott stepped down from his position as chief in August, 2023 after seven years leading the department.
Dryden applied for a position with the Haines Borough in 2014, according to an application provided by the borough.
Kreitzer told the assembly at a meeting last month that she thought Dryden was the best candidate for the job after speaking with Scott, individual assembly members, and with the public safety advisory commission. She also emphasized her preference for hiring from within the department.
Dryden is from Virginia and has a one-year degree from Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy, according to his 2014 application. Among other previous employment, he worked in law enforcement for a contractor for the U.S. Army at a base in the Marshall Islands and as a security officer at a base in Kosovo.
He listed skills including basic and advanced Reid Interview and Interrogation Training, firearm training, and training as a first responder.
Kreitzer said Dryden’s confirmation wouldn’t make it to the Feb. 13 meeting. The next assembly meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27.