Police chief finalists interviewed
By John Faucher
The village of Hortonville is one step closer to naming a new police chief, following several weeks of screening applicants and holding interviews.
On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Village Administrator Diane Wessel informed the Press Star that the village board has asked a candidate to return for a final interview.
Wessel said the process will not be complete until the board narrows its search to a single finalist and an official offer is made and accepted. The offer would be conditional upon the candidate’s successful completion of a psychological and physical exam and a satisfactory background investigation.
Candidates needed a minimum of 10 years experience as a law enforcement officer, five years supervisory or administrative experience in upper management positions in law or a related field. The candidate must also hold a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or a related field, and possess effective management and communication skills.
Wessel said after initial screening, a field of 10 candidates was narrowed down to four.
Invitations for interviews were offered to the four finalists. Wessel said three accepted and one declined. Names of the four finalists were not disclosed at their request as not to interfere with their current employment.
The police commission then conducted three interviews and recommended two for interview by the village board.
On Monday, Sept. 25, the committee of the whole held a closed session meeting to interview candidates.
“The committee of the whole is pleased with the interview. An offer will be made conditioned upon psychological and physical exam and satisfactory background investigation results,” Wessel said.
The chief position has been open since May 4, when former chief Michael Sullivan resigned to accept a position at Wrightstown. Sullivan accepted the new job offer after enduring what he called a tough political climate in Hortonville.
Sullivan had been placed on administrative leave for several months following allegations of misconduct. Following a lengthy investigation, the Hortonville police commission found that he was culpable on some charges, but not all of them. They determined he was able to lead the department after placing him on two weeks suspension.
In the weeks following his return, Sullivan received several job offers from other agencies and determined it was best to leave Hortonville to avoid having his supporters become “subjects of attacks from certain political factions within our community.”
The village public safety committee initiated the process of hiring a new police chief in late June. An application deadline was set for Aug. 4.
Members of the village police commission and village board began reviewing the field of initial candidates and their qualifications shortly after the deadline.