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Three finalists vying to be the next Apache Junction chief of police were unveiled to the general public during a city-sponsored meet-and-greet event Tuesday, April 22.
All finalists are currently employed in law enforcement throughout the country.
Randy Bratton of Paducah, Ky., Chuck Baker of Commerce City, Colo. and Jerald Monohan of Pinal County are frontrunners in the race to take over the top public safety spot in Apache Junction.
All three candidates have extensive backgrounds in law enforcement, but only one will be chosen for the position.
Paducah Chief of Police Bratton says his draw to the community of Apache Junction is one mainly driven by location.
"I am looking for a place to raise my family," he explained. "I am looking to provide this community with a high quality of life."
Mr. Bratton says his first order of business, if appointed, is to send out a survey to all department officials in an effort to "develop issues."
"I have overcome my challenges in Paducah and (I’m) ready to conquer new ones," he added.
Mr. Bratton is currently employed in McCracken County, Ky. One of his colleagues there had positive things to say about his work ethic, community involvement and personality.
"He is a good chief," said McCracken County Sheriff Jon Hayden. "I definitely think the department has moved forward."
According to Sheriff Hayden, Mr. Bratton showed a very unique leadership style throughout his seven years as acting Paducah chief of police.
"He has brought some new and good ideas to the job," he pointed out.
Commerce City’s Baker says he is ready and willing to take on the role of Apache Junction police chief. He feels the knowledge he has gained in Commerce City will benefit residents of Apache Junction.
"I know what I am getting into with open vision," he said. "My past experiences would be helpful here. It is very similar."
Jerry Flannery, city manager of Commerce City, said Mr. Baker created a situation favorable for police department and city staff.
"He reorganized the department," he explained. "He took on the position and put together a structure that was very effective."
City Manager Flannery called Mr. Baker "a very good guy" and said Mr. Baker would be sorely missed if he were to leave Commerce City to accept the Apache Junction position.
Mr. Baker says one fundamental goal he has for the Apache Junction Police Department is to bring a sense of unity between the municipality and the enforcement agency.
"You can’t do it alone," he noted. "The challenge is to have all these agencies come together."
Pinal County Chief Deputy Monahan says he is ready for the next step in his career; becoming the next Apache Junction chief of police is the next logical step.
"I have just closed a chapter (in my life) and I feel it is time to move on," he explained. "This opportunity represents the next step in my career."
Mr. Monahan says stability throughout the department’s ranks will be one of his primary objectives if appointed.
"It appears we need to get a chief that brings some stability," he said. "Apache Junction has a good staff and they are a dedicated staff."
Mr. Monahan feels the new chief must have an obligation to listen to ideas, issues and solutions voiced by department and city personnel.
"The new chief needs to do a lot of listening and needs to develop a real understanding of the issues," he said.
While working alongside Pinal County Sheriff Chris Vasquez, both at the PCSO and the Casa Grande Police Department, Mr. Monahan developed a favorable rapport with Sheriff Vasquez.
Sheriff Vasquez provided a strong endorsement of Mr. Monahan.
"I think the personality he has, in my opinion, is the right fit for Apache Junction," the sheriff pointed out. "He truly cares about the people he works with."
Sheriff Vasquez says Mr. Monahan’s work ethic will be an asset to the city of Apache Junction and help bring "harmony" to the department.
"He works hard when given a task," he said. "He is going to give everything he’s got."
Although interim Apache Junction Police Chief Thomas Kelly did not make it to the final round of selection, he says he is looking forward to the appointment of a new police chief.
"My only thing is to make sure the department moves forward," he explained. "Overall they are all good candidates."
Mr. Kelly says stability, dedication and someone in for the long haul is the type of candidate sought by city leaders.
"They are looking for somebody that can sustain a long run," he noted. "It is about doing the job, nothing else."
Apache Junction Mayor John Insalaco says he is pleased with all three finalists and looks forward to the appointment process.
"They all have something to bring to the community, now it is in George’s hands," he said.
The final decision will be made by City Manager George Hoffman and he expects by May 2 to narrow the field of finalists to one front runner.
After Mr. Hoffman makes a final decision, city council will ratify his choice with a vote.
Mr. Hoffman says there are dozens of characteristics to consider before choosing, but provided a list of key attributes he is looking for to assist in the decision making process.
They are:
•Someone who is characterized by honesty, integrity and credibility.
•A leader who the department will want to follow and in whom the community will have confidence.
•A manager who can stabilize the department and help it provide first-rate service to the citizens of this community.
Mr. Hoffman says a main priority in making a final selection is to find the candidate best suited to understand issues facing Apache Junction as a whole.
"The challenge for me at this step is to find a candidate who is a good match and fit for this community at this stage in its development," he said.
