Orono accepts police chief's resignation, approves recruitment plan and interview panel

The Orono City Council accepted the resignation of Police Chief Corey Farniak, whose retirement is effective May 30, and approved a recruitment plan for his successor.

Staff (Laura) told council that Chief Farniak has indicated his intent to retire after more than 30 years of service to the city, including promotion to police chief in 2007. The proposed recruitment timeline calls for posting the position in March, interviewing candidates in April and aiming for a start date for the new chief by the end of May.

Council discussed membership of the interview panel. Mayor offered to serve and several councilmembers volunteered; council agreed that the mayor and Councilmember Benson will participate, and staff recorded those names for inclusion in the recruitment process. Council then moved to accept the resignation and approve the job description and recruitment process; the motion carried.

Why it matters: the chief’s planned retirement triggers a high-priority recruitment and transition process for a key public-safety post; council signaled they want two council members on the interview panel and a timely hiring timeline.

What’s next: staff will post the job, convene interviews according to the approved timeline, and return to council with candidates for final appointment.