Council approves filling position in police department

rocess of hiring a new police officer.

At the August meeting of the Finance / Personnel Committee, Police Chief Joseph Angelino had informed the committee that one of his officers had transferred to a different department. The committee had questioned whether or not the position needed to be refilled.

“I hope by the end of the night, we can look for a patrolman to fill the vacancy,” Mayor Joseph Maiurano said at the beginning of the discussion Tuesday. The mayor and First Ward Alderman Robert Carey said they had both received calls and letters from community members stating they wanted to see the position filled.

Sixth Ward Alderman Robert Jeffrey explained he is concerned with both public safety and the financial implications of filling the position. “I think the position is necessary. I’m in support of the safety of the public, but I would like to see the budget numbers in order to make a better decision,” Jeffrey said.