SALEM City picks former officer to be new safety director

The director was chosen from among nearly a dozen applicants for the part-time post.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- A former city police officer is now the city's safety director.
Mayor Larry DeJane swore in Scott Cranmer on Tuesday to replace Hank Willard, 66, who died May 27 after being ill with heart problems.
Cranmer, 50, served with the Salem Police Department for nearly 30 years and retired in March as a lieutenant.
Before joining the police department, Cranmer worked with the street department's traffic and safety division.
Cranmer was chosen from among nearly a dozen candidates for the job, which gives him oversight of the city's police and fire departments.
Job details: The part-time job, which pays $6,700 annually, also includes membership on the city board of control, whichincludes the mayor and the service director.
The board of control makes some purchasing decisions for the city.
DeJane said he was impressed with most of the candidates. He said he chose Cranmer based on background and willingness to serve.
DeJane said he also likes Cranmer's personality, calling him "a real people person."
Cranmer replaces one of the city's longest serving safety directors.
Willard, a former car salesman, held the post for more than 13 years.