San Gabriel Valley : Field Narrows to Four for Pasadena Police Chief
After being grilled by 30 community members and police officers, four candidates remain in the race to become the next Pasadena police chief, city officials said.
Gary Bennett, the only internal candidate remaining, joins Bob Burgreen of Arkansas, Paul Jefferson of Modesto and Barney Melekian of Conejo Valley in the job search that began after Chief Jerry Oliver left last year to become the police chief in Richmond, Va.
City Manager Phil Hawkey chose the final four Tuesday based on the advice of the community and police panels who interviewed eight candidates Friday, said Sue Whitfield, director of human resources.
“Three of the four who were chosen were my first, second and third choices,” said Robert McClellan, a Pasadena architect and panelist. Each panel member asked eight candidates a single question before voting on the finalists.
Hawkey is expected to choose a chief by March, Whitfield said.
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