Brenner In Running
For Police Chief Job
By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com
ONEONTA – With a score of 75 on the police examination in March, Acting Police Chief Doug Brenner will be one of three people interviewed for the vacant Oneonta police chief position. “I guess all that studying paid off!” he joked.
Five candidates from across the state took the civil service exam, including Oneonta Detective Sgt. Christopher J. Witzenburg. A 70 on the exam is considered passing, and the three top-scoring candidates are eligible for interviews by the city. Witzenburg placed fourth in the rankings, but did pass the exam.
The top three candidates were asked to return a letter stating that they were interested in the position. “I’m absolutely interested,” said Brenner. “I’m taking my letter to City Hall this afternoon.”
According to Mayor Gary Herzig, the next step will be to interview all three candidates, which he hopes to do in the coming weeks. From there, he will recommend a person to Common Council, who will vote on whether or not to appoint the candidate as police chief.
“We’re going to hire the best person for the job,” he said. “We hope to have someone in by the end of June at the very latest.”
The previous police chief, Dennis Nayor, resigned in early January to accept a position as director of Research, Development & Training with the state Association of Chiefs of Police. He was appointed in 2012.
Brenner has served as acting chief since Nayor’s resignation.