Battle Creek residents will get their first face-to-face look at the three finalists hoping to become the city's next police chief this Monday, when the candidates appear at a public meet-and-greet ahead of a planned leadership change at the top of the department. The event comes as Chief Shannon Bagley prepares to retire by the end of the year after more than three decades in public safety and law enforcement.
The three finalists will meet the public from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at the Davidson Building Auditorium at Kellogg Community College, 450 North Avenue, according to WWMT. As FOX 17 reports, the candidates will also take part in panel interviews, meetings with senior city staff and a tour of Battle Creek during their visit.
The day after the public event, the finalists are scheduled to interview with the city manager and meet Battle Creek Police Department personnel on Tuesday, Nov. 17, the station's report notes. The city has said it aims to select the next chief before the end of 2026, with officials indicating the selection timing is intended to support the leadership transition as Bagley exits after more than 30 years in public safety and law enforcement.
Who Are the Three Finalists?
Rodolfo (Rudy) Alcaraz currently serves as police chief in Selma, California, bringing 30 years of public service and a graduation from the FBI National Academy, per the same account. Rafael X. Diaz most recently served as a captain with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, accumulating more than 27 years of law enforcement and public safety leadership experience; he is also a licensed attorney, according to FOX17online.
The third finalist, Michael (Mike) Dobis, currently serves as chief ranger for Tennessee State Parks, where he leads public safety operations across 70 state parks. Dobis has more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, emergency services and organizational management, the station reports.
A Regional Pattern for Police Leadership Searches
Battle Creek is not alone in opening its chief search up to public scrutiny this year. Grand Rapids named four finalists in its own search for a next police chief, according to FOX17online, and scheduled a meet-and-greet alongside a city commission forum with those finalists back in June. Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington said at the time that such events would allow stakeholders to learn more about the finalists, hear directly from them and share their feedback, per the outlet's coverage.
With Bagley's retirement approaching, the city is moving to have a successor in place before the calendar turns to 2027.
