May 16, 2002 By Joyce Koballa 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – City council’s appointment of a police department captain came under scrutiny by candidate Sgt. William J. Hixson, who questioned why his veterans’ preference was not considered when the position was filled. According to Connellsville police chief Stephen Cooper, eight police officers took the test for captain, all scoring within 13 points of each other. Cooper verified that the two-day test, consisting of a written and oral evaluation, was administered and scored by the Civil Service Commission.

In two separate resolutions, council voted 5-0 to appoint Cpl. Edward McSheffrey to the rank of captain at a salary of $37,395.68 and advance patrolman John Gallagher to corporal. The captain’s position became vacant in January following Cooper’s appointment by council as police chief.

Council agreed that Gallagher’s salary increase should be determined under the police department contract.

After learning from Mayor Judy Reed that he was one of the three candidates recommended by the civil service agency for the position, Hixson stated he should have been appointed captain, under the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Preference Act, a copy of which he provided to solicitor Joseph Ferens.

“It clearly states that if one the three names is a veteran of the military, such as myself, he shall be named before anybody else who applies,” said Hixson.

Ferens said while he is familiar with the act, “the problem is left open to interpretation.” However, after reviewing further case law on the issue, Ferens said the Veterans’ Preference Act only applies to new hires and not to promotions.

Council member Judy Keller said promotions within the police department are based on a written exam that accounts for 65 percent of the hiring decision, along with the candidates’ suitability for the position for which they are applying, followed by an interview.

In other police matters, council authorized to repay $753.16 to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the “Adopt A Cop” grant, also referred to as community policing, awarded in June, 1999. The commission requested the refund after the terms and conditions of the grant were not followed by the city.

Reed said the money the city is being asked to pay back is the result of neglect on behalf of former council members who she said ignored a request by the commission to submit documentation of how the initial $4,000 of an $8,000 grant was used. Because of council’s failure to submit the documentation, Reed said the city was never given the opportunity to receive the full amount of the grant.

Reed also proclaimed May 15 as “Police Officers’ Memorial Day” and the week of May 13 as “Police Week.”