Aberdeen to Interview Police Chief Candidates Thursday

Aberdeen Mayor Michael E. Bennett and City Council members are scheduled to hold a breakfast meeting Thursday with the final four candidates vying to become Aberdeen’s next police chief.

Acting Chief Henry Trabert is among the finalists, Bennett said. The mayor said he was not aware of who the other three finalists are because he has intentionally distanced himself from the hiring process.

“I tried to stay out if it,” Bennett said. “I’m ecstatic with the process.”

City Manager Doug Miller has said a nationwide search was conducted to find police chief candidates. The search has included advertising, screening and interviewing.

Bennett said a search committee included the president of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean City police chief, a city resident and others.

After drawing more than 150 applications, the city's hiring process for choosing a new chief is nearing an end, Bennett said.

“Whoever’s picked will go through the fire,” Bennett said.

Aberdeen’s former police chief, Randy Rudy, lost the job he had held for more than a decade last October when City Council voted 3-2 to end his contract. 

Rudy remained on the payroll until his contract expired on Jan. 24. Miller has said that unlike other contracted workers, Rudy’s employment agreement had to be renewed every year, rather than every three years. Miller also has said that Rudy was given the appropriate notice of the council’s intention not to renew his contract.