By Krystal J. Carman
October 14, 2008 — With the recent demotion of its chief and the resignation of its acting chief, the Chelsea Police Department is looking for a new leader.
The Town of Chelsea will accept applications until the position is filled. The budgeted salary for the position is $25,000 to $30,000, depending upon experience.
The Chelsea Board of Trustees voted 3-2 on Sept. 8 to demote then-Chief Dustin Chadwell to patrolman. Police Commissioner and town trustee Carl Carmack would not comment on the circumstances surrounding that decision.
Chadwell had served as chief since June 2007. On Sept. 23, Chadwell served his last shift with the department and resigned.
Assistant Chief Cory Lawhorn was appointed acting chief after the Sept. 8 meeting, only to tender his resignation two weeks later. Lawhorn is now employed with the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office.
In the meantime, the department has only two full-time officers — Acting Chief Jeremy Housman and Patrolman Chris Jones. Reserves assist with patrol and other duties. There is one part-time officer.
Brandi Chadwell, wife of Dustin Chadwell, resigned as dispatch supervisor Sept. 29. At Monday’s meeting, the board promoted Deana Moss to dispatch supervisor, raising her salary to $8 per hour.
Two full-time dispatchers and a part-time dispatcher were approved for hire at the meeting.
