Pell City City Councilman Jay Jenkins (third from left) asks police chief candidate Lt. Herb Rosenbaum (left) a followup question during Friday’s interviews. Councilmen Jud Aversion (second from left), Blaine Henderson (center to right), Jason Mitcham; City Manager Brian Muenger and Mayor Bill Pruitt listen intently. Photo by Ellen Sowa.

The Pell City City Council held its final round of interviews Friday for selecting a police chief.

They will be making a decision on whom to hire within the week, according to Council President James McGowan. The council could cast their final votes at their next regularly scheduled meeting Monday at city hall.

The vacancy comes after former Chief Greg Turley’s resignation at the end of last year. Capt. Josh Herren of the Pell City Police Department is currently serving as interim police chief.

Two candidates were interviewed that afternoon in Pell City City Council chambers, each interview lasting approximately one hour. Both were asked the same series of 12 questions by City Manager Brian Muenger, along with freeform question and answer periods. Opening and closing statements were also given by the potential police chiefs in front of members of the council and press.

Birmingham Police Department Commander of the West Precinct Capt. Paul Irwin, Jr. was the first up, beginning at 2 p.m. The father, husband and veteran commander was thorough and considerate in his responses.

“I believe that the police department plays many roles,” said Irwin. “But service is number one—it needs to be very accessible to the community.”

Trussville Police Department Lt. Herb Rosenbaum of Birmingham, who is currently on assignment at the Trussville Fire Marshal’s office, was interviewed next.

The father, husband and veteran lieutenant was direct, goodnatured and thoughtful in his responses.

“The role of the police department if to enforce the law, to keep citizens safe,” said Irwin in response to a question by Muenger.

The City Council has been open towards bringing in someone from outside the area. They have stipulated conditions particular to outside candidates for the position.

However, they are staunch on these stipulations; i.e. the new police chief must live within the Pell City area. Rosenbaum and Irwin, both located in Trussville, were each specifically asked if they and their families agreed to move if hired.

Irwin said they agreed. Rosenbaum said he would consult his wife and let Muenger know promptly.

This is the second round of interviews; the council is considering five candidates for a total of seven—each with noteworthy, if not exceptional qualifications. U.S. Secret Service Agent John Hunt, Lubbock, Texas, Police Department Capt. James Shavers, Montgomery Police Department Capt. Jay King, Clayton Police Department Capt. Neil Fetner, and Southside Deputy Chief of Police Phil Roberson—the only candidate of Pell City—were interviewed last month for approximately an hour each.

The next regularly scheduled Pell City City Council meeting is Monday at 7 p.m. at city hall in the council chambers.