Staff

Chief of Police

Michael Conner

Chief Michael Conner was hired by the Vernonia Police Department in 2005. He began his Law Enforcement career in 2000 and has over 16 years of experience. Chief Conner was originally hired by the Vernonia Police Department as a Patrol Officer and was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2009. In 2010 Chief Conner was appointed as the acting Chief of Police and later accepted the permanent Chief's position in 2012. Chief Conner currently has Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, and Management State Certifications.

Sergeant

Shawn Carnahan

Promoted to Sergeant on February 22, 2017.

Officer

Abbie Hanson

Employed by Vernonia Police Department in July of 2018 to primarily act as the School Resource Officer for Vernonia Schools. Previously Officer Hanson was a Reserve Officer with St. Helens Police Department for 3 years. As well as working in the Columbia County Jail for the Columbia County Sherriffs Office.

Officer

David Brown

Officer Brown started with the Vernonia Police Department in April of 2020. He is a retired Deputy US Marshal, and a 25 year resident of Columbia County; not only is he certified, but he has also obtained his Advanced Certification from Oregon's DPSST.

Officer

Derek Hibbs

Returned to the Vernonia Police Department in August of 2020.

Department Clerk/Assistant and Code Enforcement

Iwa Leininger

Started working for Vernonia Police Department in Septemeber of 2014.