By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR — There’s a new chief in town after Mayor Jeffrey Lamarand announced Friday the appointment of Cmdr. Mary Sclabassi to succeed Police Chief Dale Tamsen.
Sclabassi was among two candidates for the position — along with Cmdr. John Blaid — eligible for the promotion. Union contract requires that the chief position be filled by a member of the department currently serving on the command staff.
Sclabassi has served on the Taylor Police Department since 1994 and holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Detroit.
Tamsen announced last month his decision to retire from the department after more than 30 years in law enforcement, 25 of which were spent in Taylor, including six years as chief.
Tamsen’s final day on the job will be Oct. 28, after which Sclabassi will assume the duties of chief.
Lamarand reviewed both candidates for the position during a three-tier selection process including a panel review, executive interview and mayoral interview.
“Mary is a proven leader and is well prepared to lead out Police Department,” Lamarand said in a statement Friday. “Her commitment to the community and knowledge of the department will serve her well in the years to come.”