Selectmen Interview for Police Lieutenant

by Bill Tobin 1/19/12

The Board of Selectmen interview four candidates for the open lieutenant position.

The screening committee  presented four potential members of the Holliston Police Department to become a lieutenant in the department.

Lt. Keith Edison has announced his pending retirement from the Holliston Police Department which has opened the postition of the one lieutenant in the department.  Four members of the police department have applied for the appointment. Sergeant Craig Denman, Detective Charles Todd, Detective David Gatchelll and Patrolman Shawn Moore interviewed with the selectmen on Wednesday January 18.

Each candidate was granted an hour to explain their reasons for applying to fill the vacancy and how they could serve and benefit the department, based on their experience, education and motivation.  Each member of the board had an opportunity to question and cross examine the applicants on their qualifications and attitudes. The questions for each applicant by the selectmnen were similar, adjusted to personalities.

The applicants repsonded to questions such as "what was the most difficult decision you have made recently," to "give an example of a bad decision". There were questions on teamwork, communicating with subordinates, evaluating subordinates, interacting with residents and the public.

They were asked their thoughts on the Quinn Bill, overtime protocol, their strengths and weaknesses in operational and administrative matters and how they would handle departmental conflicts. "What would you like to see changed, and what would you do about it" was another topic discussed.  And to sum up the questions, candidates were asked about their hobbies.

At the end of the questioning by the selectmen, each contender was given the opportunity to present his outlook for the future as well as to emphasize his attributes and leaderhip abilities to fill the job as second in command of the police department.

The selectmen will now review the candidates at the next board meeting and reach a decision.  A very difficult call.

Posted in Police/Fire, News.

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