Marshfield Taking the "Slow and Steady" Approach in Finding a New Police Chief

Thursday, April 15th, 2021 -- 10:03 AM

(WDLB) Marshfield will not get a new police chief anytime soon.

According to WDLB, the city’s Fire-and-Police Commission discussed the process during its monthly meeting Wednesday morning, and decided to take the go-slow approach, while also officially naming Pat Zeps as the acting Police Chief, something he’s been doing since former Chief Rick Gramza went on administrative leave last August, and eventually resigned, amidst allegations and charges of sexual assault and misconduct on the job.

Human Resources Director Jen Rachu told the Commission the city could conduct an internal search, or hire an outside consultant to help the city attract a bigger field of qualified candidates.

But Rachu also said a consultant also comes with a price tag of 25-to-40-thousand dollars, which Commissioner Gordy Earll was not a big fan of.  Mike Meyers said there are advantages to hiring from within, including getting a return on investment.

With everything that’s gone on at the police department in recent months, City Administrator Steve Barg told the Commission it may be in the best interests of the city to conduct a broad search.

With Andy Keogh absent from Wednesday’s meeting, and Jennifer Meece recently resigning from the Commission, President Randy Gershman said a special meeting should be held in the near future to discuss the topic once a full panel is available.

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