EAST PALESTINE City names patrolman police chief

EAST PALESTINE -- City Manager Gary Clark has named Patrolman Clyde L. Hoffmeister interim chief of police.
Hoffmeister, 46, has been a patrolman since 1994, full-time since 1996. He begins his new duties Monday.
Hoffmeister was a corrections officer at the Columbiana County Jail for four years and has also served the city as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Youngstown State University.
"I was born and raised here, and this is quite an honor," Hoffmeister said. "The department is doing really well now -- Gary paved the way -- and we're just going to try to step in and carry on."
He lives in Unity Township with his wife, Michele.
Clark interviewed two department officers for the position. He said the choice was a difficult one between two very qualified candidates.
The selection process also included polygraph testing, a psychological evaluation and a criminal background check, Clark said.
By city charter, the police chief is an appointed position, he said.
Clark was police chief 25 years before becoming interim city manager Sept. 13. Patricia Quigley, city manager for 21/2 years, left the city in September to become city manager of Woodstock, Ga.
Clark could return to the department as chief in six months if council chooses someone else as manager, or if he decides he does not want the position permanently.