Nelsonville police officers vying for chief job

Nelsonville’s police department may see a change in ranks in the next few weeks.

Four members of the police department took the Civil Service Commission Test yesterday to determine eligibility for the position of Nelsonville Police Chief, currently held by acting chief Mike Perez.

Perez was accused last October of sexually harassing two female co-workers. He declined to comment on whether yesterday’s test is related to the accusations.

"I feel it’s a political decision; I’ll leave it at that," he said.

Nelsonville City Attorney Garry Hunter could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Perez said he would try to keep a job with the police department if he is not hired as chief.

"I’m enough of a professional to continue this job professionally," he said. "This affects anybody; it’s just a matter of doing your job."

City Manager Mark Fiorello said the tests were to be graded immediately after they were taken, but the results will not be made public until he is notified.

The Civil Service Committee will rank each of the four officer’s scores to determine Nelsonville’s next police chief.

- Ben Grabow