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Politics & Government

Chief of Police, 16 Other Town Employees Retiring

Police Chief David Hall and 16 other town employees are retiring this week after accepting a retirement incentive plan to help save Harrison money.

For Police Chief David Hall and 16 other Harrison employees, Thursday marks more than the last day of 2009. It also marks their final day of employment with the Town and Village of Harrison before retiring.

The 17 town employees are retiring after accepting a retirement incentive program that will save the town $2.2 million.

Police Capt. Anthony Marraccini will serve as acting police chief until the Town Board selects a permanent chief from a list of three candidates, according to Supervisor Joan Walsh.

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The town must pick the next Chief of Police from the Westchester County Civil Service list. Lt. Douglas Buschel and Lt. Lawrence Marshall are also in the running for chief.

Walsh said that town officials sent letters to the three candidates on Dec. 29 and requested all of their paperwork be in by the Town and Village Board meeting on Jan. 21. The Town Board has 90 days to make their decision, in accordance with state law.

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"We're going to ask what are your qualifications, what are your plans, how will you organize the department now that so many officers have left," Walsh said.

Hall unsuccessfully ran against Walsh for town supervisor in November, and is retiring after 37 years of service  with the Harrison Police Department.

Phone calls to Hall for comment went unreturned, and Marraccini was on vacation and unavailable for comment as well.

Harrison resident Leo Goldburg said he hopes Hall will enjoy retirement.

"The Police Chief has honorably served the community for over 30 years, and he deserves to retire. I wish him nothing but the best," Gilburg said.

None of the positions left vacant by those who accepted the retirement incentive package will be filled, Walsh said.

Commissioner of Public Works and Town Engineer Robert Wasp also accepted retirement. Walsh said deputies in those departments would take on the role of department head.

"I was astonished how many took the offer. It made a definite difference to the budget," Walsh said.

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