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Police chief outlines hiring progress; council hears plan but takes no immediate action
Summary
Chief Grushka reported the department received 34 applications, narrowed the pool by testing and interviews to six finalists, and expects an academy in August; council discussed emergency hires and promotion standardization but made no formal staffing motions.
Police Chief Grushka updated the council on staffing and promotions at the June 16 meeting, saying the department received dozens of applicants and has advanced a smaller pool toward final interviews.
Chief Grushka said the department received roughly 34 applications, of which 18 completed written and physical testing; that number subsequently narrowed to about six finalists who are slated for next‑week interviews with the safety board. The chief said if the town sought lateral or emergency hires the pool may be similar to recent applicants and warned the academy timeframe (August, 14–15 weeks) affects when newly certified officers would be available.
On promotions, the chief said the department is working to make the process more objective by adding a written test component to balance oral interviews, and the safety board is involved with standardizing the approach. Council members expressed concern about short staffing (the department is two officers short) and competitiveness with neighboring departments for applicants; no action was taken at the meeting on emergency hires.
Next steps: Chief will proceed with interview schedules and report back after the safety board interviews; council asked to be kept informed on openings and hiring outcomes.
