Politics & Government

City Selects Interim Police Chief

Maj. Tom Arnold is a 31-year veteran of the Cobb County Police Department.

Maj. Tom Arnold, a 31-year veteran of the Cobb County Police Department, will serve as the interim chief of police for Powder Springs until a permanent one can be found.

He was nominated by City Manager Rick Eckert and approved by the City Council tonight.

“We're very pleased,” Mayor Pat Vaughn told Patch after the City Council meeting. “Major Arnold is very well respected in Cobb County, and our officers are very pleased. They have the utmost respect for Mr. Arnold.”

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Eckert noted Arnold’s extensive experience and his knowledge of policies and procedures in Cobb.

“He brings a lot of unity to the department,” he said. “A lot of the officers know him, and if they don’t know him, they’ve heard of him.”

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While still being employed by the county, Arnold will be paid by the hour from the city, as well as be provided with workman’s compensation, Eckert said.

Arnold told the council he “appreciates the opportunity.”

“It is important to the Cobb County Police Department that the is progressive and professional and moves forward,” he said. “And during this time while they—the council, Mr. Eckert, Mrs. Vaughn—try to locate a new chief … it’s important that there’s some leadership at the top to help this department move along.”

Applications for the permanent chief position . So far, 12 people have applied, Eckert said.

The former chief, L. Rick Richardson, was after being on leave since late November.

said he sold two surplus police cars for an undervalued amount directly to the Braswell Police Department in 2007 instead of putting them up for auction, which is required by the law for surplus city items.

Vaughn clarified after Monday’s meeting that there were actually three cars sold.

Richardson also illegally donated a video camera system to Braswell, the letter said. 

In other business Monday, Director Roger Swaim's retirement was announced. Swaim, a seven-year employee of the city, will leave his post June 30. 

Updates from the meeting:

7:40 Council votes to move into executive session to discuss personnel matter.

7:35 Public Works Director Roger Swaim has announced his retirement. 

7:30 Budget for FY 2011 amended to cope with fluctuations. Eckert said budget overall in pretty good order. This was first reading. Will be another reading at next council meeting. 

7:21 Consent agenda read and unanimously approved, including .

7:19 Vaughn mentioned , Saturday's .

7:14 Arnold is a 31-year veteran of Cobb police. He said he wants Powder Springs Police Department to move forward. "Hopefully I can step in and help through this interim process. You have a good police force in the city," he said. 

7:11 Maj. Tom Arnold from Cobb County Police suggested by City Manager Rick Eckert as interim chief of police. Approved by City Council.

7:08 Representative from Cobb Alcohol Taskforce talking about educating parents about negative impacts of youth drink. Councilman Tom Bevirt talking about cities passing ordinances about persons having alcohol parties in a residence. Bevirt added city attorney said such ordinances exist in Powder Springs. 

7:05 April has been proclaimed as bully prevention month and alcohol awareness month. Vaughn naming negative impacts of alcohol: vehicle accidents, youth need treatment for alcohol dependence, mental illness, and others. 

7:03 "I have been at war with pollen, and the pollen has won," Mayor Pat Vaughn said with a raspy voice.

7:01 The council has entered, and we're underway.


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