Three finalists chosen for new Saline police chief
Saline’s search for a new police chief is now down to three finalists who will be interviewed by the City Council in a work session early next month.
Courtesy of the city of Saline
The city has been interviewing candidates following the retirement of Paul Bunten at the end of last year.
The top three candidates are retired police Chief Larry R. Hrinik of Davison Township, Director of Public Safety David C. Northrop II of Sturgis and police Capt. Gerard S. Schlerinck of Troy.
Current interim Saline police Chief Mike Lindman was among the top five candidates, but didn't make the top three. Northrop was a late addition.
“The hiring committee is pleased to present three top-notch candidates to the Saline City Council, police department, and community at large,” the news release said.
That committee was made up of Mayor Gretchen Driskell, Council Members David Rhoads and Brian Marl, city of Chelsea police Chief Ed Toth and Campbell.
Campbell said each candidate possessed unique experiences and strengths, but “all three understand and value the unique identity of Saline.”
The interviews, which are open to the public, will begin at noon with the first candidate. The second interview is expected to begin at about 12:45 and the third at about 1:30 p.m. Following the interviews, according to the release, all three candidates will participate in a “meet-and-greet” at 2:30 p.m. in the council chambers.
Candidates will then have a chance to talk with members of the Saline Police Department at 3:30 p.m.
This is “a time intended to maximize participation by all three shifts of employees,” according to the release.
After which, residents and police are invited to complete a reaction form, which will be reviewed by the City Council before a chief is chosen.
Council will hold a special meeting on June 11 at 7:30 p.m. for a formal vote.
For more Saline stories, visit our Saline page.
Comments
peanutstwo
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:16 p.m.
Dave, there are rules in every process, much like your own election. There was a ballot deadline which meant other candidates could not apply or add their name to the list once the process began. As you indicated this is a very important position, why have a process then if the rules don't apply....
da' shark
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
Yeah. I'm getting my "surpise face" all ready when the former Sturgis chief is sworn in at Saline. All ask the same question to Mr. Rhoads and the rest of the hiring committee (where are they now?): wasn't anyone local qualified?
tywebb
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
Good point. Id bet it goes to the Sturgis guy
da' shark
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
peanutstwo: Great question, but perhaps your question should be directed to Todd Campbell. He seems to be calling the shots in this process (nice way of saying "bending the rules?") and maybe even an agenda? It's known by many residents of this town that he would love to run the police department himself. His pal from Sturgis being the department's #1 would put him closer to that becoming reality.
David Rhoads
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.
As a member of the hiring committee, I would like to state that Capt Gerard Schlerinck assured us this afternoon, prior to the press release, that he was still a viable candidate for the Saline Police Chief. It is not unusual for there to be rumors around the hiring of someone for a position as important as this one, and even some last minute changes as those candidates who rise to the top are selected for other communities. However, at this point in time, we fully expect the three individuals mentioned above to be at the interview on June 9.
Michigan Man
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 3:06 p.m.
DR - Where are all the law enforcement candidates for this position who live in and/or are from Saline? Why can't Saline produce those who are from our community (Saline) and are prepared for public leadership positions in law enforcement in Saline. It seems as all the finalists are not from the Saline area?
da' shark
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:47 a.m.
How interesting, that one of the candidates is from Sturgis, the city manager's former stomping grounds. Ironic, how the process was closed to all applicants, but then Northrup was allowed to eek in at the last minute. Coincidence, I'm sure...
Jack Holsombeck
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 11:05 p.m.
I read the same thing.Now it all about the dollar.
Cash
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 10:59 p.m.
According to this same website.... AnnArbor.com, Capt. Gerard S. Schlerinck of Troy was chosen for Milan Chief of Police this week. I'm guessing he is no longer a candidate for this one.
Cash
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:14 a.m.
Top dollar wins eh?
Michael Armitage
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
According to patch.com, he is not withdrawing from the Saline process at this time.