Four finalists, all with more than two decades of law-enforcement experience, will visit Winslow in mid-April to compete to become the city’s police chief.

The city plans a community “meet and greet” for the hopefuls on April 18. Each candidate will make a brief introduction and then mingle with attendees, who are invited to weigh in on the selection.

Winslow’s longtime chief, Stephen Garnett, retired in August. His last months on the job included controversy over a Winslow officer shooting Loreal Tsingine after a suspected shoplifting in March 2016. With Garrett’s departure, the Winslow Police Department was to undergo a full organizational review as it prepared for a new chief, according to Stephen Pauken, Winslow city manager.

The four finalists are:

  • Jeffery Arnswald, retired captain commander of the California Highway Patrol and a 28-year law-enforcement veteran. 
  • Conny Clay, former police chief in Choctaw, Oklahoma, with more than 30 years in law enforcement.
  • Jeffery Cavender, current police chief in Momence, Illinois, with more than 30 years in law enforcement.
  • Charles Vazquez, currently an assistant chief of police for Houston, Texas, a 22-year law-enforcement veteran.  

The event, which is open to the public, is planned from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Winslow Chamber of Commerce. The candidates were chosen out of 32 applicants, according to Pauken. They will be interviewed by city officials on April 17 and 18.

Former Pinal County Sheriff Chris Vasquez, an Arizona native who also spent part of his law-enforcement career in his hometown at the Casa Grande Police Department, is serving as Winslow’s temporary chief.

READ MORE:

Changes ahead for Winslow, police force

Attorney: Tsingine’s family ‘relieved’ by officer’s resignation

Pain lingers 1 year after Loreal Tsingine’s death

Read or Share this story: http://azc.cc/2obPuct