PORT ARTHUR — The Port Arthur interim city manager is narrowing down the candidates for Port Arthur Police Chief and is expected to announce his choice by the end of the month.
He shortened the list from 39 people to four candidates and expects to make a selection at the city council meeting on July 31.
Each of the four candidates are connected to the Port Arthur Police Department. One of the candidates is currently working at the department while the other three have worked there in the past. Two of the candidates currently live in Port Arthur as well.
Former Chief Patrick Melvin resigned in May.
"They know the community, they know some of the officers who probably served with them and the officers know them,” said city councilman Harold Doucet.
Doucet said interim city manager Harvey Robinson selected the candidates instead of using a search firm.
The four candidates are Alton Baise, Timothy Duriso, Martin Blitch and John Leger.
Baise worked at PAPD for 30 years and was a FBI case agent.
Duriso is a 20 year investigator for the DEA and used to work as a supervisor and a patrolman for PAPD.
Blitch has worked for PAPD for the past 32 years and was promoted to a Sergeant and Lieutenant.
Leger is a SWAT commander at the Jefferson County sheriff’s office and has worked there for 8 years. He used to work as a Lieutenant for PAPD.
Robinson said he will tell the city council his choice at the next city council meeting on the July 31.
The council will then vote on the interim city manager’s choice.
"Probably anyone would be able to do the job the people he put before us, because he cares about the city,” said Doucet.
Robinson said right now the Port Arthur Police Department has about 10 to 12 openings.
Robinson said so far he’s heard positive feedback from the community about the four candidates.
Doucet said once a chief is chosen the city will focus on hiring a new city manager but said it will happen after this year’s budget is decided.