The City of Bartlesville will soon have a new Police Chief.

 

Deputy Police Chief Andrew Ward will become Bartlesville's new police chief when Kevin Ickleberry officially steps down from the role on July 2. Ward was offered the position following an internal application process that closed last month.

 

Ward began his law enforcement career working for the Kay County Detention Center in 2010. He joined the Bartlesville Police Department in 2012 where he served as a K-9 officer until 2022. Ward earned the rank of Corporal in 2018 and Sergeant in 2020. Ward was named Captain in 2022 before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2024.

 

Chief Ickleberry has been on leave since December due to medical reasons, when Acting Police Chief Troy Newell stepped into the temporary role. Newell will continue as Acting Chief until Ward takes over in July.