Prineville, Ore. – The City of Prineville has announced the retirement of Police Chief Jeff Profio, coming just nine months after he was hired to lead the department. The announcement came directly from Stingray Communications, a public relations firm contracted by the City of Prineville.
Profio was appointed on November 18, 2024, following a national search to stabilize the department after a period of controversy and leadership turnover. Earlier that year, former Police Chief Larry Seymour and Captain Rob Gray both resigned under negotiated settlements after being placed on paid leave during an internal investigation.
The city faced pushback over its handling of those departures, as well as the decision by Forrester, who reportedly authorized the settlements that the City unsuccessfully tried to keep confidential amid records requests from multiple news organizations. The Oregonian had threatened legal action under the Oregon Public Records Law over the City’s initial refusal.
It was discovered that the total settlements and paid leave period between Seymour and Gray amounted to approximately $500,000 in costs to taxpayers.
City officials had anticipated Profio’s tenure would bring long-term stability to the department, making his retirement after less than a year in the role an unexpected development.
“We thank Chief Profio for his service to the community and commend him for his success at fostering positive relationships with members of our staff, the public, and our community partners,” City Manager Steve Forrester said, according to the City’s press release.
During the transition, Captain Shane Wilson will assume responsibilities as officer in charge. “Chief Profio leaves the department in good hands,” Forrester added. “Captain Wilson is a proven and capable leader, and our officers remain dedicated to keeping the community safe.”
Wilson had taken on the interim role of Police Chief following Seymour being placed on paid leave.
The city said a process to select the next chief of police will be announced at a later date. Following initial publication, Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe responded to our requests for comment on the resignation.
“I respect and support Chief Profio’s decision to retire. He’s an awesome person, who I respect and I would be proud to recommend him for any future endeavors,” Beebe said.
Beebe did not provide any additional details on what may have prompted the retirement and sudden resignation.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject mater expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
