To the community of Torrington:

I’m writing this out of great concern for the Torrington community.
As a lifelong resident, I need to point out what I believe is of great concern, not only to me but to all the members of our community.
Since Billy [Janes, former Torrington chief of police] retired, we have been unable to maintain any kind of consistent leadership in our police department. The first interim chief never wanted the job and we drug that out under the guise there was a committee to make recommendations to choose the best candidate for the job.
Well, if the interim did not want it, how in the world could he be the best choice? Then, he told the mayor, “No.” Like we did not see that coming. Everyone knew you can’t force someone to take a job like chief of police. It’s too important.

The current interim chief does not really want the job either and what are his qualifications, other than the same thing as the two prior attempts at filling the position: All life-long residents of Goshen County. If that is the case, just pick someone, because it sure looks like there is no one in the police department that has the will it takes, or even wants the job.
I work with a fellow who is well qualified, if not over qualified. He has lived here for the past eight years, is a rancher, works in the community, volunteers with the wrestling club and has more experience, training and education than any of the prior or current people that we have tried to have lead our police department since Billy retired. But he is not a life-long resident of Goshen County. If we continue with this way of thinking, we will continue with the results we are currently experiencing.
Here’s the infuriating part: This guy wants the job. He applied for it last year. He even went to the mayor when he fired Eric [Sharp] and offered his services.
Now, here’s the real kicker. When Weeks turned it down, he made a subsequent offer and even wrote an e-mail to the mayor and city council.
In my opinion, this is the kind of person who would be the kind of chief I want: Determined, qualified, real-life experience, mature, stable, grounded in the community and is concerned with what happens in the community and is not going to use our community as a proving ground for his next job.
So, here’s the question. Why are we spending money to redo what we did last year, especially when we have what we need, right here in our community?
A retired law enforcement professional, from one of the largest police departments in the country. As well as a current member of the community who relocated here in 2010 and has significantly invested in the community and is not going anywhere. He has more than 30 years of supervisory and leadership experience and is well educated. With that being said, why are we looking when the answer is already here.

Thank you for your time,
Craig Grant