BROOKINGS – Brookings City Manager Jeff Weldon said he has received 50 applications for the Chief of Police position by the preliminary deadline of Nov. 1.
“I was pleased with the response from what was a very thorough and comprehensive advertising and recruitment process. Applications came from all across the country, including one international application from Europe,” Weldon said.
The international applicant is a first for the city, as far as Weldon knows.
According to Weldon, eight semi-finalists have been selected from the applicant pool for further vetting and evaluation, which will conclude by mid-November. From that list, three to five finalists will be selected for an extensive, two-day interview process in Brookings on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5.
Weldon said he hopes to make the final selection toward the end of December, following extensive background investigations. The new chief is expected to officially start in January or February depending upon specific circumstances of the selected candidate.
Former Chief Jeff Miller retired in August. Weldon appointed Assistant Police Chief Dave Erickson to be acting police chief for the interim.
