GARY—Despite two rounds of hiring by the city last year, the number of new recruits is barely keeping up with officers who retire or resign, and the Fraternal Order of Police president says the exodus will continue.
The Gary Police Civil Service Commission acknowledged seven departures at its meeting last week. At least two more will be on the board’s March agenda.
Commissioners didn’t comment after hearing the list of names, but after the meeting, Chief Larry McKinley said that while the loss of manpower and experience is difficult for the department, he understands the problem.
“More money. I keep trying to get them more money,” McKinley said.
The budget allows for 235 officers, but it’s down to 220, police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Decanter said.
FOP Lodge 61 President Samuel Abegg said Friday the steady stream of officers leaving is “an embarrassment. No matter how many are hired, we have that many and more leaving on a regular basis. We continue to lose highly qualified officers with veteran experience to other municipalities that care enough about public safety to provide and adequate means of compensation.”
The city hired 15 officers last year and never reached its full complement. All but one of the nine officers who have retired or resigned since Dec. 22 are working elsewhere.
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“These officers dedicate themselves to the citizens of the community and to providing safer neighborhoods for our children and have receiving nothing in return. They are expected to clean up the crime problems that exist with barely any resources or manpower,” Abegg said.
According to the FOP’s website, probationary officers are paid $35,646 and a 1st Class Patrolman makes $39,304.
The board acknowledged retirements of Lt. Jeff Trevino, Lt. Jack Arnold, Sgt. Jarrett Bridgeman and Cpl. Gabrielle King; Cpl. Kevin Campbell, Cpl. Glenn Mayes and Patrolman Keith Hojnicki resigned.
Next month, the board will receive notice of Sgt. William Wood’s retirement and Cpl. Stephen Otten’s resignation.
The board has begun its hiring process to create a new eligiblity list.