SALEM POLICE Floor is likely to be new chief

The candidate joined the Salem force in 1982.
SALEM -- Salem Police Department veteran Robert Floor is likely to become the new police chief.
City Safety Director Scott Cranmer announced Friday that Floor was the top test scorer for the police chief position. Salem police promotions are based on civil service tests.
Floor's appointment hinges on his successful completion of a routine physical examination.
Floor would replace retiring Chief Michael Weitz, who is departing at the end of this month.
Floor, 51, has worked his way up from patrolman. Cranmer said Floor has spent much of his career on the night shift.
He joined the department Dec. 30, 1982, and was promoted to sergeant July 21, 1995, and to lieutenant May 26, 2001.
Salem police are allowed to live within a seven-mile radius of the city.
Weitz is leaving after 31 years in law enforcement, 30 of which he spent in Salem. During his tenure, Weitz brought the department up to a total of 24 members and modernized its operations.
Other vacancies
The civil service commission has tested sergeants to move up to the pending lieutenant's vacancy, and patrolmen to move up to the vacant sergeant's position. The results of those tests have not been released.
Cranmer said the commission keeps a list of those who want to become an officer. But it's not clear if the city will be filling a patrolman's vacancy, he said. City officials have said revenue has been flat.
Cranmer said if Floor passes the physical, he should be sworn-in late next week and begin working as chief April 3.
The new chief would technically serve a six-month probationary period.
The new chief's salary wasn't immediately clear.
Before joining the Salem department, Floor was an officer in Lisbon.