The City of New Hampton has resumed its search for a new police chief.
In mid-April, former Police Chief Tim Pederson resigned amid controversy following an off-duty incident the City said did not meet the expectations of a police chief’s position. Officer Doug Eagan was named interim chief, but he himself resigned a little over a week later after almost 16 years with the NHPD. Officer Chad McGee has been interim chief since May 9th.
A petition with over 600 signatures seeking to get Pederson reinstated was presented to the City Council during their May 6th meeting, but Mayor Steve Geerts said the City would continue with their plans to hire a new chief.Â
The City Council hoped to extend a contract offer during its May 20th meeting. However, Geerts said an “unforeseen situation†put that on hold, but with the hopes of still finalizing the hire.Â
However, on Monday (06.03) night, the Council approve “request to reopen and advertise for the police chief position.†That police chief ad is now back up on the City website.
Geerts says they expect to interview a candidate next week
Even with a new police chief to hire, the NHPD is still short one officer due to the departure of Eagan. Thus, the City has been advertising to fill that position for the past couple of weeks, with a deadline for applications currently set for June 20th.
Applications are available on the City website, www.newhamptonia.com.Â
