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Council certifies police eligibility list after staff reports 13 tested, 12 interview slots
Summary
The McCandless council certified an eligibility list for police applicants after staff reported 16 applications (13 test takers), all 13 passed physical and written tests, and the council voted to certify a list that will be valid for six months; staff recommended hiring two officers to cover upcoming retirements.
The McCandless council voted to certify an eligibility list of police applicants on March 24, 2026, after staff reported testing and interview results and recommended hiring two officers to cover an immediate retirement and a planned fall retirement.
Staff told the council that 16 people initially applied, three did not show up for testing and 13 completed the physical agility and written exams. "Out of those 13, all of them passed the physical agility," staff said, and all 13 passed the written exam. Under the department's policy, the top 12 candidates advance to oral interviews, with written scores weighted at 40% and oral interviews at 60%.
Staff described the interview panel as including Chief Leach of Franklin Park, Lyndon Felser, assistant chief/lieutenant from Upper St. Clair (and a McCandless resident), and the chief of the northern regional police, identified as Chief Dewick. Staff said some panel chiefs and other agencies are also hiring, creating competition for top candidates. "We try to time this out...to make job offers quickly, because if not, you lose them to somebody else," staff said.
On hiring recommendations, staff said they would like to hire two officers now: one to replace Officer Guzzo upon an imminent retirement and another to begin training this summer ahead of a planned retirement in September. Background checks will begin once the council certifies the list; detectives will conduct checks for the top six candidates, staff said. The certified list is valid for six months from the certification date; council may allow a six-month extension but is not required to do so.
The council moved to certify the list, the motion was seconded by Ingrid, and members responded affirmatively. The chair announced the motion carried. The meeting also included routine approval of minutes and a motion to adjourn.
After adjournment, a member asked whether prior process changes had been prompted by lawsuits. A council member replied that the change was "John's recommendation" and referenced prior ordinance work and two lawsuits; the question was not resolved further in the session.
Next steps: staff will begin background checks on the indicated candidates and the council may schedule interviews with the top-ranked applicants as part of hiring offers.
