In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around personnel changes within the police department, particularly focusing on the appointment of key positions and the implications of those decisions.
The meeting highlighted the appointment of Lieutenant Stotner to the investigation division, where he was recognized for his exemplary work as a detective. However, concerns arose regarding Stotner's aspirations for advancement within the department, especially after he expressed interest in moving up the ranks. The chief clarified that there were no available commander positions at the time, leading to Stotner's dissatisfaction, particularly as he approached retirement eligibility after 28 years of service.
The chief also addressed the situation surrounding Stotner's wife, who applied for a position within the department while the chief was attending the national academy. Although a panel selected another candidate for the role, it was noted that Stotner was reportedly upset about the outcome, and a grievance was filed, though it did not proceed to arbitration.
Further discussions included the structure of the department's command staff, which consists of the chief, deputy chief, and three commanders, with regular meetings held to discuss operational matters. The chief emphasized the importance of placing qualified individuals in appropriate roles, particularly in the traffic safety division, where Sergeant Bill Sanchez was appointed as the new supervisor following Lieutenant Phil Glasear's retirement. The chief confirmed that the decision to appoint Sanchez was made after consulting with command staff, and it was determined that the position would remain at the sergeant level rather than being elevated to lieutenant.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the responsibilities of the traffic unit supervisor, including the ability to work on IDOT grants and respond to major accidents as a reconstructionist. The chief reiterated the importance of having qualified personnel in these critical roles to ensure effective operations within the department.