The command hierarchy for the next several years, and a succession plan beyond that, is being developed.
The command hierarchy for the next several years within the Phillipsburg Police Department is taking shape.
Robert Stettner was named the department's acting chief effective Nov. 27. As captain, he served as officer in charge following Chief James Faulborn's retirement Aug. 1.
The long-term holder of the chief's position will be determined through a civil service test next spring, along with a plan for succession within the command structure, Mayor Stephen Ellis said. That becomes particularly important as higher-ranking officers near retirement.
As P'burg chief steps down, captain steps up
Beneath the chief are two captains, five lieutenants and five sergeants. There are 36 officers total on the Phillipsburg force -- along with two unfilled positions -- four or five of whom are in or near the 20-to-25-year range, Ellis said.
By setting civil service tests for the chief, lieutenants and captains in April, the mayor said a command structure through the remainder of this and the next four-year mayoral term should be in place by May, with a succession plan developed after that.
In the meantime, Stettner, who did not return a call for comment, heads the department.
Police chief salaries in Warren County
The acting chief title -- a provisional appointment pending the civil service test results -- was warranted to recognize Stettner's authority and merit, Ellis said.
"We want someone in a leadership role," the mayor said. He later added: "I'm comfortable right now that we have the right leadership structure in place."
Stettner was promoted to captain in 2012 when Faulborn became the full-time chief. He is the son of former town Councilman James Stettner and his brother, James Stettner II, is also on the force.
The step up to acting chief will boost his salary. The chief position, under an ordinance approved in March, has a base salary of $125,041.27 for 2016 with annual increases up to about $132,000 by 2019.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.