Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The officers will be sworn in May 2.
GIRARD — The city’s police department is ready to make history with the addition of its newest officer.
Larry Neely Jr., 33, a city resident, will be sworn in as the city’s first black police officer May 2 at city hall. He will also be the city’s first black safety-services officer, as the city also has not had any black firefighters.
Neely is a graduate of ITT Technical Institute and the police academy.
Three patrolmen, Christopher O’Brien, John Norman and Richard Bzinak will be promoted to captain at the same time.
Mayor James Melfi said Neely had the third-highest score on the city’s civil service exam without any bonus points, but his personality and first impression during interviews won him the position.
Melfi said Neely has the physical strength and mental attributes the city was looking for in a new officer.
“It is very important to note that this individual when interviewed by the safety-service director and myself was very impressive,” he said. “His personality and demeanor show great maturity and calmness.”
Jerry Lambert, safety service director, said Neely will join the force at the standard rate of 75 percent of veteran full-time officers’ pay — an hourly rate of $16.06.
The three officers promoted to captain will move to $23.64 per hour.
According to Lambert, the addition of Neely and promotion of the three officers brings the department’s overall numbers to five captains, eight patrolmen, one detective, three dispatchers and the chief.
Police Chief Frank Bigowsky, who has repeatedly asked city council for additional officers, is happy to see the ranks grow, if only by one. He said the additional officer will be a help.
“We are certainly always glad to receive new personnel. We are hoping that bringing the numbers back up to 15 will help alleviate some of the overtime cost,” he said.
jgoodwin@vindy.com