Centralia Police Chief Greg Dodson says they will only be able to send four to the State Police Training Academy next week, leaving one of their slots open.
Dodson says even though they started with 12 candidates on their eligibility list after testing last fall only four were able to pass all the physical and background checks. He calls the situation disappointing.
The Centralia Fire and Police Commission Wednesday night authorized the process to begin for another eligibility list.
Applications will be accepted beginning on Monday. Details are available on the City of Centralia website.
The Commission is still working on getting experienced police officers to apply for a lateral transfer to the department. Dodson says they currently have one candidate on that list. Dodson had hoped to fill at least one opening off the lateral transfer list, but could now be looking at two with the shortfall of candidates to go to the police academy. Those applying for lateral transfer will have a test on their police knowledge before a list is finalized.
The Commission declared the current lieutenant eligibility list exhausted and authorized a new lieutenant Promotional Exam.
The Centralia Police Department currently has six openings. In addition two other officers are injured and a third was on military service duty in Kuwait.
A swearing in ceremony has been set for three Monday afternoon at Centralia City Hall for the four hired to patrolman positions prior to them leaving for the police academy.
