Board approves promotion to fill lieutenant vacancy, certifies eligibility list for two years

The board voted to promote the top-ranked candidate to fill the vacancy left by Lieutenant Lash’s retirement effective Aug. 4. The transcript records a recommendation to promote the top-ranked candidate, spoken in the meeting as "Bill Diana," and a motion and second; the board then approved the promotion by voice vote (individual votes were not specified in the record).

Board members also voted to certify the top four candidates on the eligibility list for two years so the department will have certified replacements ready in the event of an anticipated Jan. 1 retirement. Members discussed whether to add a fifth name to broaden options; the transcript records that discussion but the final certified list was the top four.

Why it matters: Maintaining a certified eligibility list and promoting from the top-ranked candidate are routine steps to ensure continuity in public-safety staffing and to prepare for predictable retirements in leadership ranks.

What was said and what happened: a member summarized the interview and ranking process (deputy and battalion chiefs interviewed candidates, ranked them, and forwarded recommendations). The recommended promotee was described as having 18 years of service, including about 12 years with Munster. The board confirmed motions, took voice votes, and approved the promotion and the certification of the eligibility list; no roll-call tallies or individual yes/no votes were recorded in the transcript.

The board also agreed to publish a tentative meeting calendar and said there would be no regular meetings in January or March unless an emergency occurs; the schedule is contingent on the municipality’s ability to hold virtual meetings.