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Burlington Police Chief Finalists

Burlington’s search for a new police chief has reached the “Final Four” as the Civil Service Commission has certified the eligibility of four finalists.

Two of the finalists are currently employed by the city of Burlington: Lt. Darren Grimshaw and Major Doug Beaird, who is currently serving as interim police chief.

The other two finalists are from outside of the region.

Zim Schwartze is a former emergency management and public safety coordinator in Missouri and Charlie Dennis is a former police chief in Arizona.

Burlington City Manager Jim Ferneau says both of the external candidates had their positions eliminated due to budget constraints.

The finalists will participate in a “special” assessment and a series of interviews and public forums on August 7 & 8.

Ferneau says the special assessment is a series of scenarios where a panel of current police chiefs evaluates how the finalists react and respond.

He hopes to make a recommendation to the city council shortly afterwards.

Former Police Chief Dan Luttenegger retired several weeks ago.

Burlington received 17 applications for the vacant position.

Ferneau says the list was trimmed to ten, based on education, experience and management standards, and then to six based on answers to a series of questions.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.