Community Corner

Police Chief Interviews to be Held Saturday

Three members of the Harrison Police Department will interview for the position of permanent police chief on Saturday.

The Harrison Town Board will hold interviews for the permanent replacement to retired Police Chief David Hall on Saturday, potentially making a final decision in what has been a hot button issue throughout Harrison.

Candidates include Doug Buschel, Larry Marshall and acting Police Chief Anthony Marraccini. All three candidates are currently members of the Harrison Police Department.

The five members of the town board will vote to determine the chief, it will take 3 votes to confirm a candidate. The position will not necessarily be filled on Saturday, but a chief must be confirmed by March 30, said Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh.

Find out what's happening in Harrisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It is a very important decision as it is a lifetime appointment," said Walsh.  "The police department has a direct and important presence in the town."

Walsh said that she has already made a decision as to whom she supports, but would not identify who it was. She added that one other board member has already pledged support for a candidate and three others have not indicated who they will select.

Find out what's happening in Harrisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Marraccini has served as acting police chief since Hall's resignation on Dec. 31. Harrison Police have investigated a homicide and a high profile traffic accident among other things during his tenure.

"I haven't even had time to think about it," Marraccini said of Saturday's interview after hosting a press conference for Senator Charles Schumer at the Harrison Police Department on Friday. "I'm just trying to barrel the department through."

Walsh said that each member of the town board has received "many" calls from residents eager to share their viewpoint on the selection.

"It's certainly a topic of discussion," she said.

Walsh would not provide a timeline for when a final selection will be made, but said she is sure that the members of the board will discuss the decision on Saturday. 

"We must choose very carefully," she said. "And select a person who will serve in the very best interest of all the residents of the town."

 

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