By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK — After a Wednesday interview en route to appointing a police chief, it seemed the lone applicant will likely be named by the Public Safety Commission.
Brian Hawk has served as interim chief since the October 2012 retirement of Chief Thomas Karnes.
The city’s public safety commission held its regular meeting Thursday, but did not confirm the appointment of Hawk.
The official appointment of the city’s next chief stalled soon after Karnes retired as city hall wrestled with a looming budget deficit, potential layoffs and staff changes. It’s been speculated that the city may consider shifting to a merged public safety department, with police and fire resources pooled. Former city manager Greg Capote — whose contract expired in February and the position has not yet been replaced — had explored that option for Lincoln Park.
Hawk declined to comment Thursday on the potential chief appointment. Hawk, a graduate of Lincoln Park schools, a 20-plus-year veteran with time served as patrolman, detective, with internal affairs and as supervisor for the department’s Citizen’s Patrol Watch.
It was uncertain when the five-member panel would confirm the appointment of Hawk or determine if additional interviews are needed. One other application had been submitted but was withdrawn.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])