ST. JOHNSBURY — The man who has served as acting police chief for several months has withdrawn his application to serve permanently.
Interim Chief Kevin Wilson was one of four candidates for the town’s lead law enforcement job when the application period closed last month, but he withdrew before the interview process began.
Wilson, whose official rank is captain, has filled the chief’s role since April, when former Chief Joel Pierce vacated the office due to a medical issue. Pierce officially resigned in July after being away from the department since mid-January.
Chief Pierce hired Wilson and promoted him to lieutenant.
When the application period for permanent chief opened, Wilson said he wanted the job because he believes the department is moving in a positive direction and wants the progress to continue.
Wilson has led the department through the acquisition of new police vehicles and the installation of the department’s first-ever on-board cruiser computers. He’s also led the department through a particularly challenging summer downtown as officers responded to frequent bad and criminal behavior by members of the homeless population.
Wilson said he believes the next chief, even if it’s not him, is positioned to advance community policing.
He said a closer look at his time away from the department changed his mind about taking on the chief’s role permanently.
And now it’s time for your JJ Country sports…
On Monday night it was the Boston Celtics doing the bullying as they rolled to a 134-99 win over the Chicago Bulls. Payton Pritchard with 28 points off the bench including 7 for 10 from 3 point range. Next up Boston will host the winless Brooklyn Nets tonight at the Garden. Tipoff at 7:30pm.
In hockey it will be the 2 top teams in the Eastern Conference going at it as the Boston Bruins are in Carolina tonight to take on the Hurricanes. Bruins winners of 7 of their last 8. Puck drops tonight at 8 o’clock. The Montreal Canadians will also take on the St. Louis Blues tonight at 8pm.