Public Safety Commission proposes deadline
Date: 9/26/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD — The Public Safety Commission (PSC) met Sept. 19 to determine the framework of the interview process for selecting a permanent chief of the Police Department. "They [the PSC] plan to interview sometime in October," Sandra MacFadyen, director of Human Resources, said. "They're [also] hoping to make an appointment [to the position] in October."
When asked about candidate Capt. Daniel O'Brien being on paid administrative leave, due to an investigation into an allegation of misconduct, MacFadyen stated she's never encountered the scenario. "I've never, ever had this happen before," she said. "They're [the PSC] treating him as an employee of the town [because] there's been no discipline and no suspension."
Town Attorney Simon Brighenti Jr. declined to comment on the possible implications for the town if O'Brien is not selected and found innocent or if he is selected and found guilty. "I don't want to speculate," he said. "I want the process to remain untainted."
O'Brien, interim police chief Capt. Ronald Campurciani and Capt. Daniel Spaulding are the three finalists for the permanent position. The job has remained vacant since March when Chief Thomas Burke retired.
