City Identifies Three Finalists For Police Chief Post

And then there were three.

Saline City Manager Todd J. Campbell announced Wednesday that the city's special hiring committee has recommended three finalists for the position of chief in the Saline Police Department.

The candidates are Larry R. Hrinik, retired chief of police in Davison Township; David C. Northrop II, public safety director in Sturgis; and Gerard S. Schlerinck police captain Troy. 

“The Hiring Committee is pleased to present three top-notch candidates to the Saline City Council, Police Department, and community at large. Each candidate possesses different experiences and strengths, but all three understand and value the unique identity of Saline," said Campbell, in a press release issued Wednesday. "Each candidate has expressed his eagerness to become an integral part of our community.”   

Northrop was not initially among the f. He had dropped out of the process because he was not certain he could meet the city's desire to have a new chief in place July 1, according to Campbell. The during the final round of interviews with the understanding that he might not be ready to take the post July 1 if hired, according to Campbell.

Schlerinck was also identified as the top candidate for the Milan police chief post, according to Heritage Media.

who was encouraged to put in for the post after the process had begun, did not make the list of finalists.

Campbell said the city was aware of the situation in Milan and that Schlerinck indicated he wishes to remain part of the process in Saline.

Saline City Council will publicly present three finalists for the position of police chief on Saturday, June 9. Interview times are at noon, 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

After interviewing with city council in a work session open to the public, candidates will participate in a public meet-and-greet at 2:30 p.m. in the council chambers. Candidates will then interact informally with members of the Saline Police Department at 3:30 p.m., a time intended to maximize participation by all three shifts of employees. Citizens and police department members will be invited to complete reaction forms that will be reviewed by council before its final choice of a chief. 

The Saline City Council will convene a special meeting Monday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. to choose the city's next chief.

The members of the hiring committee include Mayor Gretchen Driskell, city council members David Rhoads and Brian Marl, Chelsea Police Chief Ed Toth and Campbell. 

To reach this point, candidates have submitted a letter and resume, completed a supplementary questionnaire concerning six critical competency areas identified by community stakeholders, interviewed by telephone with a professional expert in police selection, and met face-to-face with the hiring committee.

The city began searching for a new chief when .