Greensburg police Lt. Stafford only applicant for captain's position

Greensburg Council will vote in April whether to promote Lt. Robert Stafford, the sole applicant to be the city's next police captain.

If promoted, Stafford would fill the vacancy left by Chad Zucco, who became chief this month.

Stafford, 52, has been on the force for about 28 years.

City Administrator Sue Trout said Stafford is qualified and ready to do the job.

“His experience, his longevity in the department, the relationships that he's built, I expect he'll do an amazing job,” she said.

The city solicited applications from ranked officers within the department to fill the position. Monday was the deadline to apply.

Stafford said that as captain he would focus on developing the young police force, which has hired many officers over the last year. The rapid turnover has had the department scrambling to train and schedule the newcomers, but Stafford said the enthusiastic young blood will revitalize the department.

“We've got so many new guys here,” he said. “It's nice having these young guys. You know how young cops are; they all want to do their jobs well.”

Earlier this year, Stafford applied to be chief to replace Walter J. “Wally” Lyons. He was passed over in favor of Zucco. He said he would be just as happy in the captain's position, which plays to the leadership strengths he has developed as a lieutenant.

“I was kind of hoping it turned out this way,” he said.

Stafford has played a large role in training and developing new officers, which he said he would continue.

If he is appointed, there would be a testing process to decide which officer will replace him as lieutenant, Trout said.

Stafford earns $94,961.27 a year, including longevity pay. If promoted, his salary will be $103,883.38.

He said the recent changes at the city and its police department have him optimistic about the future.

“I think it's on the right path, with the new mayor and the new chief. They're both good people,” he said.

Jacob Tierney is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-836-6646 or jtierney@tribweb.com.