CUMBERLAND — A month is too fast for the city to find a new police chief, Dana Tinnen said.
On Wednesday, Tinnen, a Cumberland resident, asked the mayor and City Council if the search for a police chief is nationwide.
“This is an opportunity to diversify our police force,” he said, adding that the next chief should be Black, Asian or Latino to be a role model for area children.
Cumberland Administrator Jeff Silka said the search to fill the police chief position has “primarily focused” on Maryland.
According to a notice on the city’s website, the police chief position “works under the general direction and appointment of the city administrator.”
It lists the salary for the position at $95,000 to $135,000 per year with an “attractive comprehensive benefit package.”
The notice states “a cover letter, resume and any supporting documentation must be submitted electronically with the subject line Police Chief to April Howser, human resources officer, at april.howser@cumberlandmd.gov.”
Applications are due by noon Aug. 15.
BackgroundLast month, city officials authorized a retirement agreement with Cumberland Police Chief John “Chuck” Ternent.
The chief’s initial employment term was Feb. 20, 2023, to Feb. 19, 2026.
“Ternent wishes to retire from his employment with the city,” the agreement stated. “The city does not object to Ternent’s retirement and consents to the termination of the employment agreement before its term expires. Accordingly, Ternent’s retirement shall be deemed to be a termination upon the mutual consent of the parties.”
According to the city’s website, Ternent holds a master’s degree in management from Johns Hopkins University.
He joined the Cumberland Police Department in 1992, served as a detective assigned to the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit, became a sergeant in 2003 and over the years climbed the ranks to become police chief in 2020.
In June, Silka said CPD Lt. Eric Bonner “will serve as acting chief.”
In other Cumberland business:The mayor and City Council last month accepted a proposal from Mosca Design, of Youngsville, North Carolina, for a 20-foot artificial Christmas tree with a 3-foot topper for $20,295.70. On Wednesday, council thanked Fred Timbrook, CEO of Timbrook Automotive, for funding the purchase.
A 2024 infill development agreement between the city and TeaBow Residential LLC was changed to include new deadlines. TeaBow must complete construction of its properties on Arch Street by Aug. 15, and Pennsylvania Avenue by Oct. 31, 2026.