Although she has accepted a position as police chief in Forest Grove, Ore., Wadesboro Police Chief Janie Schutz said she will remain chief in Wadesboro for the time being.
Forest Grove’s city manager, Michael Sikes, announced that Schutz had accepted the position in his town on Aug. 13, and Schutz confirmed it on Aug. 14. The job offer is contingent upon the results of a screening process and background investigation.
The Wadesboro Town Council held a special meeting Wednesday night to discuss the matter. The council met in closed session for about half an hour before Mayor Bill Thacker announced that Chief Schutz was to meet with interim town manager Cecil Wood following the special meeting. A group of about a dozen citizens were present at the special meeting to support Schutz.
On Thursday morning, Schutz said, “I think the town did the right thing by their police chief. I appreciate that because I’ve worked very hard and I think the efforts of my department have made a positive difference and I appreciate the chance to be the police chief.”
Wood said that some information had been shared and discussed about Schutz’s job opportunity in Oregon, but stressed that since it was a personnel matter, he couldn’t give much detail. “I think the end result was that the politics of the town would be followed, and I think that’s all everyone wanted to be sure of — that they would be followed,” he said. “The town wishes the best to the chief. She’s certainly very qualified. We’re very happy and wish her the best.”
Schutz said last week that if all goes well, she will start the new job in the second half of September.
She’s currently focused on continuing as police chief of Wadesboro, however, and said she is committed to solving the homicide case of Sheri Lynn Evangelisti, and keeping the police department running smoothly.
“The situation now is that if the chief decides to leave and pursue a job in another town,” Wood said, “the town will be looking for a replacement.”
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