Scottville interviews 2 for police chief position

SCOTTVILLE – Two applicants were interviewed Thursday for the possible part-time Scottville police chief position. They included Donald Riley of Walhalla and Dennis Richards of Grandville. Tom Trenner of Custer Township withdrew his application from the process.

Riley is a retired detective sergeant/patrol officer from Deartborn Heights Police Department; 29 years experience. Richards is a sergeant on the Grandville Police Department with 30 years of experience.

The two were interviewed by the Scottville public safety committee and City Manager Amy Williams.

“Both were two very strong candidates with each having great qualities,” Williams said. “It will be a tough decision if the committee decides to go the route of hiring a chief.”

Williams said the committee will meet next week and will review a proposal by the Mason County Sheriff’s Department (see related story). She said the committee may then make a decision on which direction to take with the police department. Ultimately the city commission will make the decision. Before it does, it must decide to terminate its contract with the City of Ludington.