KPD will be short-handed during summer

The Kenton Police Department will be short-handed to start the summer.
Police Chief John Vermillion informed City Council on Monday night that two officers will be leaving the department within the next three to four weeks for higher-paying jobs elsewhere.
The city will begin a new eligibility list for officers on Thursday with some 13 people expected to take the civil service exam. For those who pass, that is just the start of a process to one day join the department.
Vermillion said once potential hires are on the eligibility list, it takes 60 days or more before he would be ready to recommend someone to be appointed to the force. The candidates would go through interviews and a physical fitness test.
“We want to make sure whomever we hire is a good fit for the department and the community,” the chief said.
Until new officers are on the street, Vermillion said, there may just be one officer on duty. “Our resources are going to be stretched,” he said.
Vermillion also announced the department received an $1,800 grant from the Hardin County Community Foundation. It will be used toward the purchase of five bullet proof vests. The federal government pays 50 percent of the cost.
Kenton Fire Chief Russ Blue reported his department has a new eligibility list for potential firefighters after 23 passed the civil service test. He said the previous list, which was good for two years, expires this week.
A new firefighter is expected to be needed later this year when firefighter Eric Cramer retires in October, Blue said. That will still leave the KFD one short of its manpower allowance.
Blue also announced that firefighter Tim Clark, a 25-year veteran, has been appointed captain. He succeeds Roger Crowe, who retired earlier this spring.
The chief noted his department received a Community Foundation grant of $1,000 to upgrade fire equipment.
Firefighters also have adopted Pioneer Park and are working to have it in good shape for Memorial Day services, he said.
Also at the meeting, Safety Service Director Jim Hites said the city has no authority to enforce the “no left turn” sign for motorists exiting the drive at the Kenton Post Office. The sign apparently was erected by the post office to direct traffic.
The next council meeting was moved to Tuesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m., one day later than usual, because of Memorial Day.

By TIM THOMAS
Times editor

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Posted by Kenton Times on May 15, 2012. Filed under Local News,Recent Headlines. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry