EAST LIVERPOOL - A new police chief could be named as soon as week's end after a competitive test is given tonight by the Civil Service Commission to department captains.
Service-Safety Director Ryan Estell confirmed Monday that three of the city's four police captains applied to take the test and, none had officially dropped out of the test as of that day.
Capt. Norm Curtis, appointed acting chief upon the November death of Chief Mike McVay, has opted not to take the exam, but captains Terry Faulkner, Tom Clark and John Lane each applied, Estell said.
He said the top scorer on the test must be named chief and said once the test is scored, results may be available by the end of this week or next, with an appointment made promptly thereafter.
Asked what is done if none of the captains pass the test, Estell said it would likely be administered again for the current candidates, which is what happened with the fire chief's test.
"The city has gone so long without (giving) a test, our personnel is out of practice taking these kinds of tests," Estell said.
McVay had served as chief the past 17 years, the longest of any chief except Hugh McDermott.
If by chance no one passed the second go-around, Estell said he would have to seek clarification from the Civil Service Commission, saying he wasn't sure if those on the current captains' eligibility list would be tested or whether the test would be opened up to all department patrolmen.
"Hopefully, that's not something that comes up," he emphasized.
A patrolmen's test is set for March 7, with 20 people having applied to take that test. With personnel changes in the department due to McVay's loss and promotions, a patrolman's spot will open up.
