City administrator still mulling over applicants for police chief job

Gaffney City Council plans to soon hire a new police chief. But it won't happen Monday.

Gaffney Administrator James Taylor said Wednesday he is continuing to interview candidates and researching their backgrounds but won't have the finalists picked in time for this month's Gaffney City Council meeting on Monday.

That means council will likely meet later this month in a special session to interview the finalists.

"I'm not ready to go to council," Taylor said. "I'm still trying to get the best candidate and I'm just not there yet."

Current police chief John O'Donald announced in September his plans to retire Dec. 26. If a new chief has not been hired by then, an interim chief would likely be named.

Sources have said Gaffney Police Department Capt. Rick Turner and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigator Bo Medley have interviewed for the job. But it's not known if they will be among the finalists.

Nineteen people applied for the position.

Gaffney City Councilman and police committee member Tom Reid said his choice didn't apply for the job.

According to the advertisement, the city is seeking applicants with a bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or public administration; as well as 10 years of experience in law enforcement — three of which must have been equivalent to a police sergeant or higher.

Applicants also must possess a valid South Carolina driver's license and have successfully completed coursework at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

O'Donald's salary is $53,000 a year. The salary range for the position is $43,000 to $53,000.