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Marco begins sorting 220 applications for Marco Island police chief
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There is no rush to fill the position of Marco Island police chief and that may be a good thing as 220 applications have already been received for what city officials are calling the “first soft deadline” of Friday.
The large stack of resumes collected over the last three weeks will be sorted into one of three categories: unqualified, qualified but not recommended, or qualified and recommended, said City Manager Steve Thompson.
“We’ll probably cut the stack in half at the first pass,” said Laura Litzan of the three-foot paper tower sitting on her desk.
Twelve residents of Lee and Collier counties are among those waiting to discover if they will make the to-be-interviewed pile.
Thompson said acting chief Thom Carr, who also applied for the position, is “fully capable” of running the department during the application and hiring process.
Litzan and Thompson will each go through similar sorting processes and then narrow the candidates down to a goal of five finalists.
“If some applications come in after that and look exceptional we’ll still consider them,” Thompson said.
Interviews will likely be conducted in mid-July with selection taking place by the end of the month.
Several applicants are vying for the position, along with their coworkers and supervisors in local law enforcement agencies, including four applicants from within the Marco Island Police Department and two from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
The Naples Police Department yielded one seeker for the position, James Slapp, who retired as deputy chief in December.
An applicant with a controversial past, Jeffrey Hollan of Cape Coral, also applied for the position of chief. Hollan resigned from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 2006 after allegations of inappropriate actions with female coworkers during an employee retirement party.
While some applicants said they were somewhat concerned about competing with their current supervisors and coworkers, leaders and spokespersons within the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Marco Island Police Department say they encourage, or at least don’t discourage, employees from seeking other employment options.
“Any time a member of the agency is interested in looking for a position outside the agency, we would never stand in their way. That’s their right,” said CCSO spokesperson Karie Partington.
CCSO Lt. Thomas Smith of the Special Crimes Bureau said he hoped to keep his interest in the position confidential at first, but then changed his mind.
“One of our lieutenants was trying to become chief in his hometown in Michigan. There were a lot of rumors about why he was thinking of leaving … But this isn’t a smack in anybody’s face. I talked to the sheriff, under sheriff, all the way through the chain of command,” Smith said, adding that his retirement plan requires him to leave CCSO in March 2009.
Another CCSO applicant, David Sieber of the Golden Gate Estates substation, is also among those seeking the position of police chief. Sieber was chief of police in the small town of Tarentum, Penn., from 1997 through 2003.
As of Friday, Sieber and Smith were the only two applicants from CCSO. Meanwhile there are four applicants from within the smaller Marco Island Police Department of 34 sworn officers.
MIPD employees seeking the chief’s position include Carr, Acting Lieutenant James Hassig, Corporal Kevin Hennings and patrolman Edward Stenzel, a former Milwaukee assistant chief.
Carr said that he encouraged Stenzel and other interested employees to apply.
Hennings acknowledged it can be a bit awkward to vie for the same position his supervisor, Carr, and coworkers are all applying for.
“I waited for the last day before deadline because the hallways talk … There is no tension because they are just good people. We have different views but it doesn’t mean I don’t have respect for them,” Hennings said.
Hennings, 35 said he believed there could be strength in his relative youth, competing for the chief’s position against many applicants who are in their 60s having retired from various departments across the country, including Carr and Stenzel who retired from out-of-state departments before becoming MIPD employees.
“How many good years are you going to get from a retiree? I’d take the person passionate about what he does over the person looking for another pension any day,” Hennings said, adding that retired candidates may act as if they are “retired on duty.”
Charles Clifton, a 30-year veteran retired from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is among the applicants who may be sorted into a “qualified” pile. Clifton vied for the Dade City police chief position in January, making the list of the top four finalists for that position.
Marco resident Joseph Batte, a two-time City Council candidate, is also in the running for police chief. Batte is a retired U.S. Special Agent and current president of Kristall Associates, Inc., an investigations and compliance consulting firm.
In his letter to the city requesting consideration for the position, Batte wrote “I will be willing to waive the (health coverage) expense to the city... in light of current budget tightening in the city, I am willing to consider the minimal salary for this position.”
Other Collier and Lee County residents who applied for Marco Island police chief include:
– Robert Pastula of Fort Myers, a current assistant chief deputy for the U.S. Marshal’s Fort Myers Division
– Vincent Ferrara of Cape Coral, deputy inspector retired from the New York City Police Department after 36 years of holding several ranks ranging from trainee to captain.
– James Boylan of Marco Island, currently a professor of criminal justice at Edison College.
While candidates have varying levels of education and experience which will likely come into play when Thompson narrows down the current list of 220 nationwide candidates, he said there will not be particular emphasis on a local person or education over experience.
“I’m looking at the entire package – experience, education and accomplishments,” Thompson said.

Comments
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I worked with Hennings at the DEA and support him as a fellow officer, fellow Marine and the new Marco Island Police Chief!
Best of Luck Kevin.
SEMPER FI
#1 Posted by Semper_Fidelis on June 24, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In an effort to clarify, I would like to wish my fellow applicants the best of luck in this process! It would sadden me to think that there was any misunderstanding with what was quoted in this article. The basis of any comment that was made was only to emphasize that I plan on serving Marco Island for the next twenty years and that my being the Chief of Police would provide consistency through that time period. I have enjoyed the past 8 years at this agency as well as being in Federal and State law enforcement prior to that. I feel that I am still on an upword climb in my career and pray that I am as fortunate in the next twenty years as I have been in the first half of my career! Thank you!
#2 Posted by KevinHennings on June 24, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps it might be time for a youthful person who has a feel for a positive direction! There is something to be said about not having to wonder if our community's expectations will be met by hiring an out-of-town candidate. The four from within are very well capable but how long can they commit for? At least Hennings has proven himself and is going to be here until all of our kids have become taxpayers!
#3 Posted by openbook on June 24, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope we get the right guy. That's all I have to say about that.
#4 Posted by talktome on June 24, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We need a chief who will actually do policework! I would love to see a young energentic promotion from within.
#5 Posted by Sailor on June 24, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE YOUTH OF THE ISLAND FOR EVERYTHING! WHO IS GOING TO REPRESENT US IN THE FUTURE? MR. THOMPSON LOOK AT KEVIN'S RESUME AND TELL YOURSELF THAT HE IS THE RIGHT CANIDATE FOR THIS POSITION,WHAT OTHER APPLICANT HAS THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ISLAND THAT KEVIN DOES. ( NO ONE ) THEN ASK YOURSLEF DO I WANT TO DO THIS AGAIN IN ANOTHER 5 YEARS, HOPEFULLY YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO IF YOU HIRE KEVIN BECAUSE HE HAS A LONG WAY TO GO TO RETIREMENT!!!! UNLIKE A LOT OF THE OTHERS... GREAT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUSELF BEFOER YOU MAKE THAT DECISION.
THANKS
DK
#6 Posted by dd0062 on June 24, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a full-time Marco resident and tax payer, I fully support Kevin Hennings' bid for Chief.
Mr Thompson, as you consider your candidates, please mark me down as one who will completely support your decision in Kevin's favor.
Ive seen his work over the years and it is apparent that he loves his work and his city. This is exactly the kind of Chief we need. Youth, exuberance and dedication.
#7 Posted by WillHarbeson on June 25, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hee-Hee-Hee,
The walls also snicker and chuckle too.We think we know which pile this resume will land on.His drinking pal's have all weighed in but, did they review the requirements for the position.Oh, did the resume reflect experience as a tavern owner.
#8 Posted by August8 on June 25, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's put aside all of this youth is better and more long lasting cliche talk for a sec.; Do any of you actually think it is a good idea to hire someone for police chief that has never been one? Don't small towns with 0 financial viability take that experiment and places such as ours go for someone that has run departments and will not learn as they go? Just a few questions to ask yourselves if we want to head in a direction which will make things better rather than stagnate. I am sure Mr. Hennings is an excellent policeman and supervisor but chief? I would ask for more. On top of that..... Who wants a lifelong chief anyhow. This isn't Cuba or North Korea. Change happens for a reason. Just my two cents.
#9 Posted by Marcosnook03 on June 25, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marcosnook03, im not sure if you are aware of the impact that a change of command involves when you are dealing with a government/municipal agency. there are fiscal issues to consider as well as morale issues from within. maybe the "lifelong" concept is not the ideal verbage but certainly you cant think that changing command every couple of years will provide consistency in policing on this island! by hiring someone who is over sixty yrs old and already collecting a pension from out of state (and in some cases more than one pension), you might get 2 good years out of them and then here we go again...looking for another chief and "hoping" for the best! just because someone has never been a chief elsewhere doesnt mean that they're not capable of doing the job! look around, i think that we can stand to entertain a youthful perspective...
#10 Posted by openbook on June 25, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good points I must admit. However this hiring should be based on more than age or potential longevity at the helm. My main point being that a 60 y/o already retired chief, recieving pensions from other depts. may not be ideal either. We just simply need........ the right man/woman for the job! Period.
#11 Posted by Marcosnook03 on June 25, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please not some retired cop. Marco Island needs a young energetic cop who has real law enforcement experience at the local level and who has the desire to make it a progressive agency. We need a go get'em type. There should be two major concerns for the next chief, Training and Technology. Please not some retired cop.
#12 Posted by RickD on June 25, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
marcosnook03
i agree we need to look at the right person/s but with all the BS aside i do not believe Cheif Reinke was a Cheif before coming here and he did what alot of tax paying citizens on this Island thought to be a great job. i agree with RickD. do we need to hire a "Cheif" that will not be living on this Island? ( NO )they will need to part of our community( coach,friend,and neighbor and realist.)to everyone involved on this Island. please be careful as what what to say about Kevin Hennings because he is all of the above plus a GREAT FATHER TO BOTH OF HIS SONS....... and being a father myself that is 99% of the job by starting in the home. i just wish more parents would do it.....
let's see what Mr, Hennings can do for us
#13 Posted by dakoo67 on June 25, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i for one...now calm down everyone, i am entitled to my opinion...Thom Carr would be the choice hands down. and who cares whether someone wants to retire or not...everyone wants to retire...what we're looking for in addition to the "police skills" is mgmt, community involvement, communication skills, honesty and integrity...that's not to say the other don't have these attributes...but thom and his wife liz have worked tirelessly for the betterment of marco....in my opinion. i would wholeheartedly endorse thom carr for police chief!
#14 Posted by van on June 25, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dakoo67,
I need not be carefull about what I said about Mr. Hennings because I said nothing negative about him. I solely stated my opinion on what we should look for to fill the void. Do you people not allow anyone to give their humble opinions on here? It's as simple as this...... If he turn out to be the best candidate for the job, then he should be hired. However, the manager can not focus in only on his application because of the youth issues that you continue to mention. Best man for the job!
#15 Posted by Marcosnook03 on June 26, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not have the pleasure of knowing him. He sounds like an excellent man. But please do not misinterpret my original point. Angel0810 captured it quite elloquently in her endoresement. I hardly find how what I said was rude. If it was taken that way I apologize. May the best candidate take the job!
#16 Posted by Marcosnook03 on June 26, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Angel0810,
I just realized which post you were reffering to. I'll be honest the support he's garnered and the comments his associates, and friends alike have made; clearly here impresses me. It obviously says one thing for sure. He is a good man. That goes a long way in life.
#17 Posted by Marcosnook03 on June 26, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marcosnook03, In response to your question about should we hire someone who has not been a chief. I must pose the question should we vote for someone who has never held public office. Jeb Bush was a two time governor and never held public office before that. The point is lets we narrow it down to a wide range of applicants. Lets find someone with a vision for the future. Whether they currently live here or not.
#18 Posted by RickD on June 26, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow, you guys make alot of good points! i have had the pleasure of knowing Hennings personally and professionally for several years...he has been a huge impact on the neighborhood kids in my area and a big educator among the parents and citizens, likewise! he has built strong ties to the community while a detective and road patrol supervisor and certainly has maintained a positive, progressive role on the island! all of that said, i dont think that those reasons alone should determine who gets the job...however, i think that given his dedication and positive impact in the past, he should at least be given the opportunity to be present in the final selection so he can shine with the other impressive candidates! if then he demonstrates reason to get the position, so be it!
#19 Posted by openbook on June 26, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Unfortunately the position will not be offered to Hennings; he doesn't have the educational background. He has real life experience and a lot of commonsense but no college. He would represent the city well and I sincerely hope the powers to be will look at him seriously. Does anyone know who makes the final decision, city council? City manager?
#20 Posted by phlentyn_gordderch on June 26, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the city manager is the "power to be" when it comes to hiring the chief of police. im not sure what fueled the comment that was made about Hennings not being offered the position based on a lack of education because that just isnt accurate. the article indicated that the city manager specifically stated that “I’m looking at the entire package – experience, education and accomplishments.” clearly that means that all things will be considered and not the lack of any one particular catagory. phlentyn, i think that you said it best when you wrote that it would be unfortunate if he wasnt offered the position, especially due to his "real life experience and a lot of commonsense"...i guess we can only hope that he is afforded the opportunity to get into the final review and be heard by the "power to be"...
#21 Posted by openbook on June 26, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have just one question for all of you - is this officer Hennings the only person that has applied for the job? This article states that there are over 200 candidates that have applied. Why is the only conversation here dealing with one?? I think we all need to hope that our new city manager looks at ALL of the candidates with an open mind and does consider the "whole" package. Being a Marco resident for many years now, I too have had the pleasure of meeting several of the officers that serve this island. I happen to believe that there are a few other officers (besides Hennings) within the department that, in my opinion, would make an excellent police chief.
#22 Posted by woozygirl on June 26, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I dont know how this Hennings can think that he is qualified to be the chief of police? I'm sure in the 220 applications nationwide there are more qualified individuals. You also don't have to look farther then the man currently running the department. He has more years experience in law enforcement then Mr. Hennings is in age!
#23 Posted by retiredmarco on June 27, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have heard that the man currently running the Department has been stopped on numerous occasions for DUI and let go because of his position. Has anyone else heard this ?? If this is true, then we do not need that type of person running our Police Force. I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt until I hear otherwise.
Ed Issler
#24 Posted by lauralbi1 on June 27, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
#25 Posted by openbook on June 27, 2008 at 9:20 a.m.
I was notified by a friend to check the blogs on this article to see that the nastiness has begun on the selection of Chief of Police. To lauralbi1, or anyone concerned or who genuinely cares about the selection, I have never been stopped for suspicion of DUI by any agency in Southwest Florida or anywhere else for that matter. I have been stopped for speeding once by CCSO when in enrounte to a meeting in the middle of the day, I fortunately was given a warning, my bad. Oh, by the way I did receive a speeding ticket when I was 16, a very long time ago. Ever since I have been here on the Island it has never ceased to amaze me of the downright unnessary disgusting and offensive finger pointing and outright lies and nastiness that some unscrupulous persons will throw out as fact. I believe we all saw how bad it got, in the last election here on the Island.
For the record, I entered the "race" for the position of Chief of Police at the urging of several friends and citizens of Marco Island. I do feel that I am qualified for the position however so are hundreds of others. I encouraged anyone on our department to apply if they felt strongly about it. My record and resume is out there for anyone to check on, please feel free. Since my primary assistance in creating,(July 1999) developing and continuing to administer the Marco Island Police Department, it has grown tremendously and has served the citizens of Marco Island admirably. I am honored to have been a large part of that. Having said that, my position as Captain of this department has also been very rewarding and I have no problem continuing to serve in that capacity should that be the outcome. Our new City Manager is more than qualified to select a new Chief of Police without being subjected to the mud slinging. Let him do his job. I wish all the luck in the world to all that have applied and who are actuallly qulified for the job. As I have been finding out lately, "be careful what you wish for, you just may get it".
Acting Chief of Police
Thom Carr
#26 Posted by TCARR on June 27, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
UNREAL! May the best candidate get the job, Let's end the cattiness before someone gets hurt in the process. The nastiness has indeed begun, What a shame.
#27 Posted by Jerry34145 on June 27, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TCarr... I think responding to this blog was a bad move. One of the qualifications, I believe, are to know when to keep it cool under pressure and let people speak as they wish. Two wrongs NEVER make a right!
#28 Posted by woozygirl on June 27, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hey diazk, opinion is spelled O-P-I-N-I-O-N...I hope you didnt have to take a test to get your job! besides when was the last time CARR or HENNINGS went to your work and told you how to do your job as a Walmart door greeter? get a clue and tell the person who is helping you read to give all of the points in this blog! your ignorance, as well as illiteracy is comical. im sure if Carr was as much of a drunk that everyone says he is then he wouldnt have been a cop for the better part of his old adult life! furthermore, do you even know what you are talking about regarding hennings? he went through a divorce because he never wanted to be involved in that business that his ex-wife owned. in the course of the divorce there was a standard injunction that was later removed at the final judgement. this type of thing happens in most divorces (which is 1 out of 2 marriages). Also, all of the applicants resume`s are public record and if you look at hennings', you will see that he does have college just not a fancy degree but several supervisory and management schools that are applicalble to the position...im sorry to point out all of your inacuracy because i think that you make yourself look pretty dumb on your own!
#29 Posted by openbook on June 27, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All one has to do is read the postings of the current acting Chief, T.Carr as well as Mr Hennings to know one thing, we the citizens of Marco deserve better. We deserve an intelligent professional who believes in this community. That is for ALL Marco citizens, not a small group who currently have the PD's ear are served. Now we have a group of officers who do not get along with themselves let alone with the citizens. This reflects poor leadership from the top as well as with its middle managers. Its a shame to say this but the fish rots from the head.
#30 Posted by JohninMarco on June 27, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i would LOVE to see you at happy hour but i thought that all of the Walmart greeters were mandated to work during that time?...and if you hang out at Porky's that explains everything! maybe you should apply for chief...lol...and btw, i wasnt checking your grammar (not grammer), i was checking your spelling, dummy! this blog is hilarious...this isnt an election, its an appointment! anything that anyone puts on here is just to get a rise out of another person because it doesnt matter...
#31 Posted by openbook on June 27, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i dont even know who that is...all i know is that you are a complete tool and extremely ignorant...you should get a clue and find a life! btw, who is helping you with this anyway? i know that you cant be smart enough to get on the internet all by yourself!
#32 Posted by openbook on June 27, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Openbook and diaz, stop the bickering- this is not about you- this is about finding a good man/woman for the job of chief of police. Since you both seem to have such knowledge of the personal and professional lives of the present police officers, who do you think this person should be? There is still time to put in applications. Give the City Manager the name of the best man/woman for the job (not Carr, not Hennings). Either of you thinking of applying?
#33 Posted by woozygirl on June 27, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
first, i really cant definitively say anything bad about Carr because nothing has been substantiated against him and this island is all about rumors...also, i do know Hennings and think that he would do a great job as well if given the chance. if there was a breaking point that i had, i would have to say that i dont like the fact that Carr and most of the other applicants are so old and probably just going to leave in a couple years. i think that we are starving for consistency in this city and that will only come from a younger candidate. I think that Hennings and Carr could both do a good job and they are both good officers. diazk has successfully made a machary out of this blog site and topic and that is a shame! i hope they both get a shot in the finals and may the best man win!
#34 Posted by openbook on June 27, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The only posts that have made sense here and have been done in taste are those of the following:
USAF Capt. Nicolete A Garcia
Kevin Hennings
Thom Carr
And only the female Captain has made an impression on me as to whom to consider should I as a Marco resident have the choice. Maybe you ladies should learn from her that class and eloquence go hand in hand. It is absolutely ridiculous what a mockery that has been turned into.
#35 Posted by Jerry34145 on June 27, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me rephrase my previous post, Prior to the mockery I would've gone in favor of Mr. Hennings or Mr. Carr but as of now neither candidate would be my choice. Always remember there are 2 sides to every story!
#36 Posted by Jerry34145 on June 27, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I tend to agree with you Jerry - I know that the best person within the department, or not - is out there. I also have confidence that our new city manager has the ability to make the right choice for our community.
#37 Posted by woozygirl on June 27, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These Blogs get out of control and often times mask real issues. The City Manager has his work cut out for him and hopefully will look at all of the factors for each applicant. As said earlier, there are lots of other candidates, some local and some national. Does anyone know anything about Boylan (who lives on Marco), Smith or Sieber from the CCSO? What about Pastula? Are you taking any quality time to find out about 218 other applicants other than the 2 you want to bash and compare? A few comments about age... well isn't most of MIPD retired cops from NY? There is a lot to think about when picking a new chief. This can be a great opportunity to get someone from outside that can obviously break up some of the mistrust and disgust within the agency. The names on these Blogs are confidential, but it is quite obvious many of you are friends of Henning... many are probably MIPD cops trying to bolster a fellow officer to chiefdom. Lets get professional and make sure the name calling, bad attitudes, mud slinging goes away and is replaced by better dialog on the people running for chief and talk about real issues. I have met Carr and he is a nice guy, surely doesn't need to be treated the way he is... These kinds of things can really hurt your PD. Carr is just a possible choice, there are others who will be also. Give each of them a fair shake, don't discount people and bad mouth them when you really don't know them.
#38 Posted by Deuce on June 27, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i have to agree with deuce. i know both guys (Hennings & Carr) and prior to diazk bringing drama to this blog, i thought that there were some good points made about those guys. ofcourse you are going to have the mud slinging because of the topic and the fact that some havent always fallen on the right side of the law but we need to put those comments in the garbage and press on with intelligent conversation! i do think that Hennings & Carr should be afforded the opportunity to make the final cut and be heard prior to being ruled out for the position. if at that point, it is determined that there is someone from out of town that would suit the city/department better then so be it! they are both VERY well qualified for the job- but in different areas...the city manager has his work cut out for him but let us not forget the times that we needed these two in the past 8 or 9 years and they have been there for us! we atleast owe them that much to give them a chance!
#39 Posted by openbook on June 27, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jerry, i dont think that you should allow some silly discussion to sway your thoughts on who to endorse. i think that regardless of some "cop hater" both of these guys still have alot to offer. i recognize that i should have never allowed and/or entertained diazk with conversation but it bothered me that he was taking personal attacks at these guys when he obviously has no idea what he's talking about! entering a battle of wits with a man who is obviously unarmed is a mistake and i certainly wont make that mistake again!
#40 Posted by openbook on June 27, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My, my! Boy do some folks have agendas on here. I think that in a sad way this is exemplary of the small town feel we all enjoy here on the rock. The fact that fronm the common citizen to the powers that be; all of us can actually tangle is quite amazing. Where I am from it's quite unheard of and pitiful. So that I must applaud but the low down name calling and supposed accounts of what one has done is pathetic. Let's keep this clean! The fact is, as mentioned before this is a manager appointed position and he/she should the best qualified one and that's how the manager should hold. Let's leave the name calling for a face to face. Not in a anonoymous setting on here and sandbag just to get a cheap shot in.
#41 Posted by Marcosnook03 on June 27, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cyndi, wow...you just got it all figured out, eh? i think that this blog is pathetic and a shame that there cant be an educated discussion without mud slinging. if you have any question about my identity, i should tell you that i am female and not an officer. i do know both thom and kevin and know that neither of them are involved with the nasty things that are being discussed on this site. i see each of them regularly and know that they are both drug free, honest and hard working. kevin is a single father and is not dating anyone nor does he participate in any activity that would compromise his integrity as an officer. he did go through a nasty divorce 2 years ago and that forclosure house that you spoke of was a matter of marital property that was waiting to be divided when the market returns. i am a woman who would never be friends with soemone who "beat his wife" and im certain if he did he wouldnt have custody of his children. your comments were clearly out of hate because i know he is currently living in a house that he is purchasing through owner financing because i am his realitor.
Thom enjoys his free time when he's not working and sometimes goes out for a drink with his wife. he has been accused of driving around drunk and i have heard the rumors as well but never have i witnessed him engage in any of this activity.
its nice that people are compassionate about this topic. it shows that people in this community really care about what happens but the nasty mud slinging is tragic. if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say it at all. its really easy to say all of these things when you can hide like a coward behind a screen name. i suspect that the people who are saying some of these things have probably been arrested by either thom or kevin in the past!
#42 Posted by openbook on June 29, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
#43 Posted by Melissa1014 on June 29, 2008 at 2:53 p.m.
Thom Carr,
Don't be nuts! Why in the heck would you get involved in all this sillyness. Forget Hennings, "he is a nut!" Your a good guy, have worked very hard at your job, have been there come hell or high water, you are qualified and are not asking for anything you do not deserve, in spite of the very difficult selection process.Everyone knows grown men enjoy a beer on occasion,you are a gruff guy but that is what good police leaders should be!let the lier that created this lousy impression get his D.U.I.,Please,do not help him. Be a pro, stay out of this nonsence, stand by your desire and record,loyalty and commitment, and just kick ass!!!!
Best of luck to you!!!!!!!
#44 Posted by August8 on June 29, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems the bickering got quite nasty over the weekend, Judging from the amount of comments that have had to be removed. It's a shame nothing on this island can be accomplished with grace and etiquette.
#45 Posted by Jerry34145 on June 30, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chief Carr: Thank you for responding and setting me straight on these rumors.
Ed Issler
#46 Posted by lauralbi1 on June 30, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
does anyone know where one might find the applications that were submitted and that are available to review by public record. I only know what I hear about the local candidates and know to only believe about half of it. The rest are rumors. Might be nice to see, from the local applicants themselves, the truth. Unfortunately, I know one of the local candidates quite well, however I will keep my unsavory comments about this person and the company he keeps to myself.
#47 Posted by marcores47 on July 1, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well I have to say that I am somewhat flattered by all of the response to this article! From what I can see, about ten people actually participate in this blog and as far as I can tell, half of you love me and half hate me. I do see where there has been alot of removed comments and I can only assume that they were not intelligently written or they would still be there. Im not sure what they said because I really havent been following this tread on account of the drama involved. If I had to guess, I would think that there may be a few screen names that belong to officers or their wives that were offended by the paraphrases of mine that were in the paper about age. I attempted to clarify my comments early in this blog but I guess people just read what is "media savy" or whatever they can grasp on to for the drama effect.
Im impressed that people have done so much research on my life and have time to throw it into this tread but I wish that people took the time to confirm the accuracy of it before throwing it out there. So let me help you guys out! Here goes, hope you're not disappointed:
CONTINUED...
#48 Posted by KevinHennings on July 2, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
...FROM POST #60....I am friends with Thom Carr. I know that this might not have sex appeal to the gossipers but its true! I have worked directly for Thom for the past 8 years and outside of work, in many ways, Thom has been like a father to me. A few years back, I went through a nasty divorce and because of our family's close relationship, Thom and his wife stepped up and helped sort all that drama out. I never "Beat My Wife" or any other woman for that matter. I speak to my wife on a regular basis who lives out of state and we are friendly to each other. There was a temporary injunction during that time as a course of normal action due to a custody battle but my ex-wife and I worked that out civilly without having to go to court because we are adults. My children reside with me at this time and their mother speaks to them on a regular basis. She also is a good person and is available to them. As a condition of our settlement, we chose to sell our home in Naples and that is currently listed for sale. Due to the failing market, it has been difficult to get a reasonable price for the house so we did consider allowing it to go into forclosure. Take a look around, enough said! I worked with the DEA for several years and although I was constantly around illegal drugs, I never ingested any of them. It was part of my job to portray an image of being involved with drugs, not part of my lifestyle. I am not currently nor was I ever a drug addict although I did experiment with marijuana when I was a teenager. Currently, I am single and NOT DATING ANYONE. I would love to find the companionship of a woman and obviously everyone else on this blog would like to see that as well. Unfortunately, my time is consumed with being a good father to my children and working on this island to provide safety and security to its citizens.
Within this article, there are paraphrases of what I said that would imply that I am against an applicant who is older than I am. Thats just untrue! What I said was that I feel that there was a benefit of having a younger person that would be here longer. I never pointed out the age of any other applicant, that was information that was added behind my paraphrased comment.
I am, by no means, perfect nor do I pretend to be! Whether I get the job or not, I feel that I have plenty to offer this city. There are a million people that are capable and hundreds that have applied that would most likely do a good job. I cant understand why this entire blog is about Thom and I when there has to be 218 other applicants that might raise an interest in people's mind.
Im not sure if I was able to help you guys out. I have no secrets, anything that you want to know about my life is at the stroke of a key, just google me!
#49 Posted by KevinHennings on July 2, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kevin,
I think that it is stand up how you have come on here and set the record straight. Before writing anything on here I knew nothign about you. The way people have stuck up for you says a lot about you. Some people obviously have an issue with you for personal or political reasons. This is not the place for that type of attack. My suggestion to those of you that take this blog and use it for that I say this. There is nothing wrong with voicing your opinion but anonymity and accusations based on rumors should not be posted on the internet on anyone. Grow up!!!! Kevin you have made me a fan and I'd be proud to have you as chief just because you seem like a good guy. God knows that there probably are plenty of applicants that don't fit that bill because the law of averages says so. Good luck to you and all others applying!
#50 Posted by Marcosnook03 on July 2, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I happen to know Kevin pretty good and think he would be a great candidate for Chief. He is not only a very good officer, but a Great father to his boys. As far as Carr goes, I would hope he would retire soon so he can work on other things....hiccup....Well, good luck Kevin and see you around the island some time or at the fields. Keep up the good work, the community appreciates your hard work and hopefully it will pay off for you.
There was a comment earlier about Carr and being DUI. I think Officer OMally,who used to work here and maybe Kevin could recruit back to Marco, caught Carr a few times, maybe the city manager should call him back to find out just how many times, and maybe he may be able to shed some light on Carr and his habits.
Anyway, GOOD LUCK KEVIN,the community can use a good guy like you.
#51 Posted by oldmarcoguy on July 3, 2008 at 5:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hello oldmarcoguy, this is OMalley. I'm flattered that you would want me back in Marco, but that will NEVER EVER happen, thanks. I think like you said Kevin is a good cop and I know first hand that he is a GREAT father to his boys. As far as Carr goes, I would never get involved with whatever people think he does or has done and I don't think this is the place for that anyway. I am glad I looked at this article, it is so interesting how many ignorant and childish people are still in this town. I think it is great how people love to slander people, especially when they have no idea what is really going on or even the truth. People should get the facts before they try to slander someone publicly, like this blog. Anyway, good luck to all the applicants, I hope they know what they are going to be up against. The only good thing about that department, is that there are alot of very good officers that work there, who are very under appreciated by ignorance within the community. GOOD LUCK GUYS, I hope you get a new chief who is going to stand up for you guys and treat you like humans. I'll talk to you guys soon.
Brian O'Malley
former officer on Marco
#52 Posted by bomall on July 3, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well it seems to me Cyndi_B that everyone else on this blog has nothing but positive comments to make about Kevin. It also seems that you have some personal issues that you may need to look into and resolve. Coming on this blog and trashing someones name with only accusations will get you nowhere. Could you possibly send us a link to see pictures of you in order for us to make judgments of you solely on your appearance? In addition, may I suggest you brush up on your spelling.
#53 Posted by Dubbs on July 3, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THANK YOU to Cyndi for giving this old man a taste of the famous my space. As for the girls and their pictures and your bold statement as to the tramps I must say I have been a fan of the lady in the military since having read her posts on this blog that have since disappeared and now after being able to put a face to the name I must say I am an even bigger fan not only beautiful but also a member of our Armed Forces. Tomorrow I will toast to her and all other's overseas for allowing me the opportunity to celebrate such a glorious holiday. And to quote her paragraph
" I believe in freedom of speech and that most people who use it should be beat to death with the bill of rights" I think that suits you.
#54 Posted by Jerry34145 on July 3, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kevin I must say you have great taste in women!
#55 Posted by Jerry34145 on July 3, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DITTO!!!!!
#56 Posted by Marcosnook03 on July 3, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW, Imagine that girl in her uniform? Talk about HOTT. Kevin how about hooking a fellow islander up?
#57 Posted by Chase on July 3, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT A JOKE......
#58 Posted by ba10da69 on July 8, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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