DEVILS LAKE -- Two sitting North Dakota sheriffs are among the applicants to take over as chief of police in Devils Lake after a spring scandal led to the ouster of department leaders.
Four applicants are seeking the job, according to City Administrator Terry Johnston: Benson County Sheriff Steve Rohrer, Kidder County Sheriff Barry Vannatta, Bismarck Police Sgt. Lyle Sinclair and recently retired Highway Patrol Sgt. Joseph Knowski.
The current applicants are considered well-qualified, Johnston said, but the city received less interest than it did the last time the position was open in 2009 when 15 candidates applied. The fewer applicants surprised him.
In 2009, when the city selected recently ousted Chief Keith Schroeder, a screening committee whittled down the applicants to five finalists who were reviewed by the City Commission.
“This time, since we just have four, we might take them as finalists, or the commission may open the application process again,” Johnston said.
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The City Commission will decide which route to take at Monday’s meeting, Johnston said.
Devils Lake leaders are hoping the new chief can instill stability and accountability throughout the 16-member department, which reportedly suffered low morale under Schroeder.
In April, a city operations assessment of the Police Department revealed some in the department thought the agency to be "the laughing stock of law enforcement in the state," which led to Chief Schroeder and Capt. John Barnett being suspended and ultimately signing separation agreements.
Sgt. Jim Frank has been serving as interim chief since April 3 but has told city leaders he is eyeing retirement and does not want to hold the position long term.
