Chief of Police Recruitment

UPDATE: The online application is available. Click here to fill out the online application. A printable paper version is now available (please scroll to the bottom of the page).

On December 8, Chief Manfred "Fred" Wessner announced his retirement effective July 1, 2010 after 40 extraordinary years of service to the Town and its citizens.

To help advise the Town on the process of recruiting a new Chief of Police, the Town has hired James Baker, the recently retired Colonel and Director of the Vermont State Police. Baker began his career in 1978 with the Vermont State Police as a trooper. He was promoted through the ranks, serving as regional commander and field force commander before becoming Colonel. As Colonel of the State Police he oversaw 469 employees and a budget of $50 million.

Cynamon Marshall, the Town's Human Resources Administrator, will also be involved in the hiring process. Interested candidates with questions about the recruitment process may contact Ms. Marshall at (802) 362-5163 or c.marshall@manchester-vt.gov.

The Town has committed to a competitive and fair recruitment process that will likely include internal and external candidates and will culminate with the selection of the best candidate based on qualifications, experience and education as well as the best fit with the job description and the Town's needs. The Town of Manchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer; women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Below is a summary of the schedule and process to select a new Chief of Police.

• December 2009 and January 2010: The Town will hold a series of meetings with Police Department employees, community organizations and individuals to determine Department and community needs and goals.
• Early February 2010: The Town will finalize the job description based on the meetings held in December 2009 and January and February 2010.
• February 2010: The Town will post the position of Chief of Police and advertise the position in local and regional publications and online web sites. 
• March 2010: The Town will close the posting and applicants will be screened by the Interview Committee (see below) with the help of Mr. Baker. Applications are due on or before March 26, 2010 at 4:00 P.M.
• Late April and early May 2010: The Town will convene an Assessment Center comprised of community leaders appointed by the Town Manager. After the Assessment Center the Committee will make recommendations to the Interview Committee, comprised of the Chair of the Selectboard, Town Manager and Human Resources Administrator.
• Mid May 2010: The Interview Committee will conduct interviews and make an employment offer, after consulting with the Selectboard, to one of the finalists. The offer will be contingent upon a favorable and comprehensive background check. Please note that the Town intends to perform a rigorous background check that may include a polygraph test.
• Late May or Early June 2010: A new chief of police will be announced and in place by July 1, 2010.

All candidates must submit either an online or paper application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. The Town will, however, accept paper applications. Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and other background and supplemental information.

Click here to view a profile of the Manchester Police Department, FBI crime statistics and other important information about Manchester.