City picks five semi-finalists for Chief of Police

n Staff report

 

The City of Marlin has announced that it has completed its search for a new police chief and has named a list of five semi-finalists.

“The city is experiencing significant changes and seeing future opportunities once again, despite some setbacks,” City Manager Cedric Davis said in a press release. “Many Central Texans is admiring the resilience and tenacity of this small-town leadership team efforts to be more transparent and to get it right.” 

Among the 11 candidates who applied for the position, five semifinalists were named to meet with the city management and leadership team. The search included department leaders from cities across the state. 

According to Davis, who is serving as interim police chief, no internal officers were considered because none met the new higher standards and qualifications authorized by the city council. He said the council is looking for a well-qualified leader to take over the overhauling duties of the Marlin Police Department.

Davis was named interim police chief on Aug. 23 after the death of former Chief Nathan Sodek. 

Mayor Carolyn Lofton and city leadership were expected to accept Davis’ top five list at a special called city council meeting Tuesday night. 

Davis said the semi-finalists list includes candidates from Dallas, Houston, Mart, and Italy. The semi-finalist list is diverse. All five hold the master peace officer certification. The candidate’s education credentials include one associate degree, three Master’s degrees, and one Doctoral candidate. The semi-finalists years of law enforcement experience range from 15 to 42 years. 

On Friday, Oct. 4, city officials plan to schedule interviews with the five semi-finalists before inviting the top two candidates for a community forum-style interview with Marlin residents. 

“In an effort to improve the quality and integrity of city leadership personnel, we are elated to have the opportunity to meet and converse with the distinguished law enforcement officials that have made it to this stage of the hiring process,” Lofton said. “I believe that the positive path we are taking to move Marlin forward has generated the interest of quality individuals who are committed to assisting us in our efforts. We thank all Marlinites for their patience and understanding.”

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
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