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41 °F Forecast | Road Cams Tuesday, March 16, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend February 27, 2004 Gold Hill officer to run P.D. while new chief sought By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune GOLD HILL — Officer Hank Hobart will take the reins of the police department while a replacement is found for Chief Rod Countryman, who resigned this month. The City Council voted Wednesday to promote Hobart to senior patrol officer and use the city’s two part-time reserve officers to keep the department open. The council left the option open of adding another patrol officer. The city decided not to hire an interim police chief. It will begin searching for Countryman’s replacement as soon as possible, said city recorder Darla DenHerder. Mayor Scott Eilefson said Wednesday’s meeting was attended by about 20 citizens, a dozen of whom spoke before the council. "The majority of the people wanted to make sure we could provide adequate police coverage and see what we would do," said Eilefson. "There were also people who came and said they wanted to support Rod (Countryman)." Advertisement Eilefson said the council was confident Hobart would keep the department running smoothly in the interim. "Officer Hobart has been with the police department for roughly a year and a half and has a good feel for the community," said Eilefson. "We think he’ll do a fine job until we find a permanent replacement." Countryman, hired on April 1, 2002, notified the council he would be leaving in a letter dated Feb. 18. Although Countryman stated he was happy with the progress he had made in the department, he also said he had been working without a contract and had "discussed some issues with the mayor" prior to tendering his letter of resignation. "I’m going to pursue other options," Countryman said, declining to be specific. Countryman added he was not leaving the Rogue Valley nor retiring from law enforcement. Eilefson said the community owed a debt to Countryman for the job he did on behalf of the city. "Chief Countryman was very respected in the community and I feel he did an excellent job," said Eilefson. "We are very appreciative of his efforts. We wish him the best." Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times