Thank you, Chief Chelel
I think you mean Public Safety. Police safety is training to reduce the number of injuries and deaths in the line of duty
Thank you for posting this, Michael. Having lived in Maplewood for over 15 years, I have been very impressed with the professionalism of the officers and detectives I have encountered from time to time, and the PD's preparation and response to different event. Much of that flows down from the command staff.
I'm not holding out for consolidation because there are so many upfront financial and political hurdles. The way NJ local goverment is structured would make it very difficult.
Thank you for your service, Chief! E.O.W. 12/31/15
http://villagegreennj.com/police-and-fire/30-years-chief-chelel-says-farewell-south-orange-police-dept/
I have heard from several credible people that Police Chief Chelel has retired, as of 12/31. Having worked closely with him when I was on the BOT, I was always impressed with his passion for and knowledge of our town. He was a great asset to the community and will be missed. I wish him the best of luck in his next endeavor.
With Public Safety the biggest (and most costly) component of municipal responsibility, it'll be interesting to see if this vacancy is used as an opportunity to consolidate South Orange PD with Maplewood PD or perhaps consolidate SO Police and Fire under a single Public Safety Chief/Director, or if simply one of the two existing Captains is promoted, who are both great men, as well.