Field narrowed to three for assistant chief

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
April 20, 2002
Three Meridian police officers remain in the running to become the second-in-command of the Meridian Police Department and one could be named by the end of the month.
On Friday, three prospective officers who passed a written test Wednesday were interviewed by a panel whose members included Police Chief Benny DuBose and two others. It was the second step in becoming the next assistant chief.
Gloria Kirby, secretary of the Civil Service Commission, said Friday she cannot reveal who the candidates are until they are approved by the Civil Service Commission.
DuBose said he was happy with the three candidates who remain.
A dozen officers initially applied for the post earlier this week. Only 11, though, turned out for Wednesday's first day of testing at the Meridian/Lauderdale County Public Safety Facility.
The assistant police chief is the highest-ranking Civil Service position in the MPD and reports to the chief.
DuBose said one thing he was looking for in Friday's interview was if the candidates could handle the pressure and fill his role.
DuBose will make a recommendation to Mayor John Robert Smith, who will make the final decision.