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SYRACUSE - Syracuse town officials said they were caught off guard Tuesday when Town Marshal Tom Perzanowski resigned.
"I think it was somewhat of a surprise at the meeting," said Jeff Noffsinger, town manager, today.
Councilman Paul Stoelting said, "I was surprised. I didn't know anything about it when I went in there Tuesday."
Perzanowski will remain with the town until the end of June and has been the town marshal for approximately five years.
In his resignation letter to Syracuse council president Cassie Cowan, Perzanowski wrote: "As a result of the council's recent decision to reduce the department's manpower, and how that decision was handled, I feel obligated to offer my resignation. I do so with a heavy heart, and after much deliberation with my family, friends and co-workers. When future projects and new priorities take precedence over public safety, then one can no longer lead an already demoralized department that doesn't have respect and support from the town council. The council would be better served by someone who shares their view of public safety vs. future projects, and new priorities. It doesn't matter where people live or where they pay taxes. When people come to our town, we are obligated to provide police services to them as well as our residents. As hard as officers may try, public safety will never be the same, as you once knew it in Syracuse. That is a shame because Syracuse residents deserve better!
"I want to thank the town of Syracuse for the opportunity to serve as your Chief of Police, and I don't plan to leave without giving you some time to find a suitable replacement. I plan to stay through June to complete the budget process, tie up any loose ends, and complete projects already started.
"My last working day will be June 30, 2005, with my remaining vacation days to be taken after that date.
"I will be glad to assist the new chief during transition or answer any questions he or she may have."
In February, Noffsinger said, two police officers resigned for personal reasons. At that time, Perzanowski was on medical leave, leaving the police force short-staffed. The Wawasee school resource officer was pulled and put on the street.
With the SPD reduced to eight officers from 10, the town council began reviewing the two positions. The town received grants to pay for the school resource officer and one other police position about four year years ago. The three-year grants obligated the town to pay for the fourth year of the officer, which is this year. In the fifth year, the town no longer has an obligation to keep the officer on staff.
In an executive session last Thursday, Noffsinger said it was determined the council needed to fulfill the grant requirement to the end of this year and would review later whether or not to continue the position for 2006. The council will advertise for two full-time, temporary officers to serve through the end of this year and hopes to put the school resource officer back into the schools in the fall as the school year is almost over.
Meanwhile, the public has expressed concern about pulling the officer from Wawasee schools and other residents want a full police department force.
"We're pretty short staffed at this time," said Noffsinger.
He said the council will hold another executive session to discuss the Syracuse PD in general. No decision can be made in an executive session, but Noffsinger said the meeting will give him direction on what to pursue with the PD.
"It deals with personnel at this time," he said.
As for safety in the town, Noffsinger said, "We will always have someone on shift. We will never have a shift with no one on duty. ... That won't change."
If backup is needed, he said the SPD can call other law enforcement agencies in the area.
"I don't think it is understood by the public (the council) had two resignations and were trying to make the best of what we have at this time. They were reacting to the resignation of the two officers."
Stoelting said he has not read Perzanowski's resignation letter as of this morning and only knows the details from what was said at Tuesday's town council meeting. Stoelting said Perzanowski has been the best PD administrator the town has had.
"He kind of indicated he disagreed with our decision, but he really wasn't specific," Stoeling said of why Perzanowski resigned.
"It does leave us in a bad position."
Once everyone on the SPD is out of training, healthy and back, Stoelting said it may not be as bad, but summer is coming. In the summer, however, the population of the town increases exponentially.
"We really are in a bad situation," said Stoelting. "As an individual, I am sorry he's leaving. As an individual council member, I am sorry he's leaving."
