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Search ends for chief of police
By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer ZEPHYRHILLS -- Barring rejection by the City Council, Hialeah Police Department Capt. Jerry Freeman will be Zephyrhills' next police chief. But you don't have to call him chief. "You can call me Jerry," Freeman said Wednesday. "I don't go by titles. I'm a plain and simple guy." Freeman beat out 73 other applicants from across the country during the four-month search for Chief Robert Howell's replacement. Howell, who has served 40 years with the department, will retire at the end of September. He said Wednesday that he knows he is leaving the department in good hands. "I think we're getting a good police chief, and I think the community is getting a good citizen," Howell said. "He just seems to have a sincerity about him and a compassionate side. I feel like he's the right guy for the job." Freeman, 52, is the No. 3 man at Hialeah. According to his resume, he holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Florida International University in Miami. He later earned a master's degree in management from St. Thomas University, also in Miami, where he is an adjunct professor. Freeman and his wife, Laverne, have three daughters -- ages 22, 23 and 25. All three attend college, two at Florida State University and one at Southeastern Theological Seminary in Texas. Freeman said he spends much of his spare time making stained glass artwork. He said he also leads a Bible study and is a deacon at his church. So that's Jerry Freeman the man. But what does Jerry Freeman, the police chief, hope to accomplish? "I want to create a very close-knit organization," he said. "I think people should enjoy their work. I want to earn their respect and lead by example, and I'll work hard to do that." City Manager Steve Spina offered the job to Freeman on Wednesday afternoon, and Freeman accepted on the spot. Spina will present his selection to City Council members on June 10 for approval. If that goes as planned, Freeman will inherit a department with a $2.5-million budget and 29 sworn officers. City officials advertised the chief's pay as $45,283 to $65,660, depending on experience, but they acknowledged that they might have to negotiate those numbers. Howell has said that his successor will face several obstacles, most importantly a struggle to recruit and retain officers. He said higher pay and the promise of a take-home patrol car often lure candidates to other agencies. City officials have said they hope that Freeman can start in late summer so that he can work alongside Howell for several months. Freeman said he visited John's Steak & Seafood Restaurant when he came to town earlier this month for an interview, and he liked the food and friendly people. So, if anything, Freeman already knows where to eat.
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From today's Pasco Times Editorial Letters |
