Process for Hiring New Chief of Police Nears Completion

The testing and approval process for Granby’s next chief of police, Carl Rosensweig, is nearing completion, according to Town Manager William Smith.

Rosensweig, an assistant chief of police in West Hartford, was announced as the town’s selection to replace David Watkins, who is retiring as of Sept. 30, at the last regular meeting of the board of selectmen on Sept. 6.

The new chief’s hire was contingent on his passing a polygraph, physical and background check, all of which are nearly complete, Smith said on Tuesday.

A memorandum written by Smith that was provided to the selectmen last week detailed the process through which Rosensweig was selected.

The town, according to the document, received 30 applications for the position. Four town employees - Watkins, Smith, Human Services Director KerryAnn Kielbasa and Finance Officer Barbarajean Scibelli - whittled the pool of candidates down to eight.

An interview panel consisting of a superintendent of schools, a town businessperson, a town manager and a police chief spoke with each of the remaining candidates and rated them. The memorandum stated that Kielbasa, Watkins and Smith sat in on and observed the interviews.

After his second interview, Rosensweig received a conditional offer, which he accepted.

“Assistant Chief Rosensweig comes to us with excellent credentials having served the West Hartford Police Department since 1980 as a Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Detective Lieutenant, as well as Assistant Chief,” Smith wrote in the memorandum.

In a telephone conversation Tuesday afternoon, Rosensweig referred all questions of his potential employment to Smith because the approval process had not yet been completed.

Smith, for his part, said that he hoped to make an announcement soon regarding Rosensweig’s employment and possible start date.