by Garth Meyer
Retiring Redondo Beach police chief Keith Kauffman told the Redondo School Board last Tuesday, after he was thanked for his service, that his successor will come from within the department.
“Absolutely, that’s the hope,” City Manager Mike Witzansky said this week. “I have great confidence in our command staff.”
The command staff is made up of three captains and six lieutenants.
Witzansky hopes to have a new chief in place by March 1.
“Same-day transition,” he said.
Kauffman’s last day is Feb. 28. Applications for chief are due Friday, after which candidates will go through panel interviews, and then meet alone with Witzansky for the final session.
“Strong leadership; good communication skills, both externally, and internally; a servant leadership mentality; empathy; a whole host of qualities we look for,” Witzansky said.
The interview panels will include members of other city departments, law enforcement advisors and community representatives, such as from the school district office.
Kauffman will stay on as interim fire chief for the foreseeable future, Witzansky said. A search for a new fire chief has not yet begun. ER
