The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety learned Monday of a resignation within the city's police ranks and was briefed on the department's ongoing efforts to hire the 26th officer to start next year.
Plymouth Police Chief John Weir informed the board that Richard Ayala's final day as a patrolman was last Thursday. Ayala resigned to accept a position with the LaPorte City Police Department.
The department is already moving to fill the additional officer position that will be added to the staff next year. Chief Weir told the board that the hiring process for the department's 26th officer is underway. According to the chief, 10 candidates were tested a week ago Saturday, with four passing. One additional candidate remains to be tested, after which background investigations will be completed before the interview phase begins.
Mayor Listenberger asked Chief Weir whether he wanted assistance from the Board of Public Works and Safety in interviewing candidates. The chief explained that the police department selects its own interview board for the hiring process and suggested that any interested board members could participate in joint interviews held in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Those interviews are expected to take place in approximately three weeks.
City Attorney Jeff Houin noted that the city will advertise an executive session so that all members of the Board of Public Works and Safety may participate if they choose.
Mayor Listenberger recalled that joint interviews were once standard practice but have not occurred in the last four or five years or more. Board members indicated a willingness to take part in the collaborative process.
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