by Wesley Harris
The examination to test applicants for the impending vacancy of the Ruston police chief position is currently being graded, according to the Office of State Examiner, Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service System.
“The competitive exam for Ruston was given on January 15 and is currently being graded by this office,” Misty C. McAfee, an administrative program director with the Office of the State Examiner said Friday.
Current chief Steve Rogers has announced his retirement effective February 21 after 17 years in the position and 37 years in law enforcement.
Applications to take the test were taken by the state board from November 20 to December 20. A number of current Ruston Police employees and external candidates applied.
“Once this exam is graded,” McAfee said, “the grades are sent directly to the Ruston Civil Service Board for approval and certification of scores. Once the Board certifies the grades, the eligibility list will be updated by the Ruston Civil Service Board.”
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said he will begin interviews after that point with the final decision up to a vote by the Ruston City Council.
Walker said he hopes to have a new chief hired before Rogers’s last day, but an interim chief will be appointed if that is not possible.
