Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 15, 1994 TAG: 9406150019
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Short
Twenty-seven applicants applied to succeed veteran Chief E. J. ``Joe'' Williams, who retired in May. Town Manager Tom Combiths said all are from Virginia, but is not saying how many are being interviewed. He said it is still unclear when the process will be complete.
Capt. Barry Buckner is in charge of the department until a successor to Williams is named.
The town's budget committee is considering Buckner's request for about $19,000 worth of equipment for the department in 1994-95, none of which has been budgeted.
Some of it could be purchased with money left from the current year when there were vacancies within the department for several pay periods. The requested items include pepper spray, winter boots, patrol cameras, weapons, a document shredder, and new batons. Buckner said, however, the pepper spray works well enough to reduce the force needed in making arrests so the batons may not be needed.
Williams, meanwhile, was honored at the annual Peace Officer's lunch, held Friday. Williams received plaques from state police and from his department.
by CNB