Town Council Narrows Police Chief Search Applicants
Corey Morris
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: News
As Longwood University continues their quest to find a new President to replace Dr. Patricia Cormier, the Town of Farmville is searching for a new police chief. Acting Police Chief, Wade Stimpson, took over for former Police Chief Stuart Dunnavant, who retired due to health reasons.
Sally Thompson, Town Council Member (Ward B) and representative for the Joint Committee on Students' Rights and Education (JCSRE) said that the search committee, which is comprised solely of the Town Council, has narrowed their decision down to a select number of individuals. "We have interviewed a lot of applicants and they were all very good," said Thompson.
"We feel extremely fortunate we have had such good applicants." The names of the applicants are not being released because of the possibility of job jeopardizing. This is the same approach being taken when it comes to the presidential search at Longwood. Thompson went on to say she feels "confident we will have a police chief by the first of the year."
Jordan Miles, Chairman of JCSRE, stated he was very pleased with the process so far. His only concern was that the Town Council has not invited an administrative member from Longwood to have a say in the process. He said that since many administrative members are residents of Farmville and may have a high interest in the search process.
Miles said it would also be nice to get students more involved in the process since Farmville deputies and Longwood students have had some issues in the past. "Ideally, if we could get a few students to have lunch for half an hour with these candidates, that would be beneficial," said Miles.
Thompson said that the final decision is not up to Longwood University nor is it up to the town residents. "It is not up to the town, it is up to the representatives on the Town Council to make this decision." Thompson was quick to say that the Town Council does welcome public comment from both residents and Longwood students. However, there will be no public forum regarding the issue. "I do believe we have the best interest of the community, and especially the student community, in mind," she said.
Sally Thompson, Town Council Member (Ward B) and representative for the Joint Committee on Students' Rights and Education (JCSRE) said that the search committee, which is comprised solely of the Town Council, has narrowed their decision down to a select number of individuals. "We have interviewed a lot of applicants and they were all very good," said Thompson.
"We feel extremely fortunate we have had such good applicants." The names of the applicants are not being released because of the possibility of job jeopardizing. This is the same approach being taken when it comes to the presidential search at Longwood. Thompson went on to say she feels "confident we will have a police chief by the first of the year."
Jordan Miles, Chairman of JCSRE, stated he was very pleased with the process so far. His only concern was that the Town Council has not invited an administrative member from Longwood to have a say in the process. He said that since many administrative members are residents of Farmville and may have a high interest in the search process.
Miles said it would also be nice to get students more involved in the process since Farmville deputies and Longwood students have had some issues in the past. "Ideally, if we could get a few students to have lunch for half an hour with these candidates, that would be beneficial," said Miles.
Thompson said that the final decision is not up to Longwood University nor is it up to the town residents. "It is not up to the town, it is up to the representatives on the Town Council to make this decision." Thompson was quick to say that the Town Council does welcome public comment from both residents and Longwood students. However, there will be no public forum regarding the issue. "I do believe we have the best interest of the community, and especially the student community, in mind," she said.
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