Ferguson Township is beginning the recruitment process for its next police chief and has appointed a lieutenant to lead the department on an interim basis.
Lt. Daniel Lewis, a 13-year department veteran, is now serving as officer in charge after Sgt. Shawn Morrison returned to his regular duties for personal reasons, according to a township news release on Friday.
Morrison had served as acting chief since Chief John Petrick resigned in September, three months before his employment agreement was set to expire. Petrick, who was hired as chief in 2023, and the township mutually “agreed to part ways,” Township Manager Centrice Martin said at the time.
Lewis, who was promoted to lieutenant in January, will be “providing continuity in leadership and ensuring the Ferguson Township Police Department maintains its commitment to stability, safety and public safety services during this transition,” according to the township.
A “broad search” for the township’s next chief will involve community input and will encourage “qualified candidates with a strong background in leadership, community policing and equity-focused practices to apply,” according to the release. Township officials tentatively plan to have a new chief in place by October.
“We recognize the vital role our police chief plays in both public safety and community trust,” Martin said. “The township will facilitate a recruitment process rooted in our core values—accountability, service and collaboration. We are committed to selecting a leader who will foster a safe, inclusive and community-oriented policing culture for all residents.”
Community participation will include a public survey, which can be completed online now, and a presentation of finalists. The township also will have internal and external interview panels involving members of the police department, regional law enforcement and first responder agencies, community partners and civic groups.
“Input gathered throughout this process will be used to develop a detailed Police Chief Profile that reflects the expectations and values of both the department and the wider community,” according to the release.
Tentative recruitment timeline:
June 2 – 20: Stakeholder engagement, surveys Week of June 23: Draft of position announcement, recruitment profile Week of June 30: Township approves recruitment materials and recruitment begins Week of July 28: Deadline for applications July 28 – Aug. 8: Review resumes, conduct background reviews Week of Aug. 11: Township conducts initial interviews Week of Aug. 18: Township conducts second interviews of two to three candidates with consideration of additional assessment methods presentation to community members Week of Aug. 25: Township selects preferred candidate and extends offer October or before: Candidate commences employment
