Geneva to reclassify police commander title to deputy chief

GENEVA – Geneva’s two police commanders Brian Maduzia and Mike Frieders will have a title change to deputy chiefs, as aldermen unanimously recommended approval of the reclassification this week.

Police Chief Eric Passarelli and Human Resources Generalist Mera Johnson recommended the reclassification to bring the city in line with more professional human resources practices and to be comparable to other communities.

State law allows non home-rule communities to provide for a position of deputy chief, to be appointed by the police chief, City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins said.

“The reclassification will not change the employees’ placement on the classification and compensation plan and will not incur any additional expense,” Dawkins said. “Under the current structure, the position of police commander falls under the purview of the Board of Fire and Police Commission, who are in full support of the proposed reclassification to deputy chief with appointment made by the chief of police.”

Third Ward Alderman Dean Kilburg asked Passarelli if the name change gives clarity to the chain of command for when he’s on vacation.

“Is there anything that changes as far as who’s in charge?” Kilburg asked.

Passarelli said no, because when he is not around, one of the commanders is on call.

“So that won’t change, they’ll just have the deputy chief title,” Passarelli said. “So whoever that on-call command is at the time is responsible for running things while I’m not available.”

“What if there was some type of a crisis,” Kilburg asked. “Would the deputy police chief then step in and take command?”

“Yes,” Passarelli said. “The commander won’t be there any more. So they’ll both be deputy chiefs. So the two current commanders will be reclassified as deputy police chiefs.”

The City Council will take final action on the reclassification.