Police Chief Hopefuls Include An Eclectic Mix

AVON PARK - Apparently, a lot of cops want to live here.

In the six weeks since the police chief's job has been advertised, 58 officers have applied, and they are qualified.

"I have applications from three who claim they have law degrees," said City Manager C.B. Shirey. "Two have Ph.D.s. I have a lot who have been in the education side or the administrative side of law enforcement, or who have had special duties."

One, a United Nations police officer, is an expert knife fighter, Shirey said.

"Some are retired already, and some are overqualified," Shirey said. "It makes you wonder why they want to come to Avon Park. Some may just have the moving-to-Florida syndrome."

Advertisements were placed in local newspapers, on the city's Web site, with the Florida League of Cities and the International Police Chief's Association.

Some of the applicants are from Highlands and Hardee counties. One is Commander Michael J. Rowan, currently the second-ranked officer in the Avon Park Police Department. Chief Frank Mercurio was asked to resign in September.

The successful applicant is required to live within 10 miles of Avon Park. He or she will command a department with 26 officers and nine civilian employees.

Shirey plans to load all the names and qualifications into a spreadsheet. Those who clearly do not meet the minimum requirements will be eliminated first.

Several of the applicants seem well qualified, Shirey said. "I think the core group is very good."

By the end of November, he'll pick a short list of five names, and begin interviewing candidates in December. All five may come to Avon Park, he said. That depends on their availability due to the holidays.

"And some of the folks who have applied may have already taken a job," Shirey said. "I'll probably talk to them by telephone first, to make sure they're still interested in the job.

Shirey will continue to accept applicants until the position is filled, but he hopes to have a new police chief on the job by Jan. 31.