Police chief applicants advance in process
Results of civil service tests expected by early October
Nine people who have applied to be the Lake Charles Police Department’s new chief recently took the state civil service test and have moved one step closer in the process.
The Office of State Examiner administered the tests, and results are expected in 30-60 days.
Six applicants work for the police department; one is a retired department lieutenant; one works with a law enforcement agency in Texas; and one works in investigations at Louisiana State University.
Chief Don Dixon is retiring in January after nearly 20 years of service.
Mayor Nic Hunter said advertisements for the job were posted locally, statewide and nationally, with a listed minimum salary of $85,000 annually.
Hunter said the department is looking for qualities that go well beyond “catching the bad guys.”
“Being chief of police is about being a member of the community, about connections with this community, and about connections with the neighborhood,” he said.
Hunter said it’s important the chief be an experienced law enforcement officer, but also a good manager since the department makes up a third of the city’s budget.
The nine applicants are:
Capt . David Anders, 34 years of service, LCPD .
Deputy Chief Shawn Caldwell, 25 years of service, LCPD .
Lt . Richard Harrell, 23 years of service, LCPD .
Lt . Kevin Kirkum, 29 years of service, LCPD .
Lt . Robert McCauley, 27 years of service, LCPD .
Sgt . Rickey Miller, 22 years of service, LCPD .
Retired Lt . James Jones, 25 years of service, LCPD .
Lt . Michel Pappillion, Harris County Constable Precinct 6, Harris County, Texas, 34 years of service .
Samuel Wyatt, LSU director of investigations, 22 years of service .
The Office of State Examiner expects to have the civil service tests graded by early October. The Lake Charles Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board will receive and certify test scores for those who passed the exam. The minimum passing score is 75.
Hunter will then receive a “police chief eligibility list” and will appoint a committee to conduct interviews. He said the seven-member committee will represent a diverse cross-section of the community.
A short list of candidates will be given to Hunter for his review. After he selects a nominee, it will go to the City Council for final approval.
The selection process should be completed by December.
A chief serves a six-year term and can be re-appointed for additional terms.