Civil service commission certifies summer test results

The results have been certified for an additional round of Civil Service exams that were scheduled this year for the El Dorado police and fire departments.

The tests were administered July 13 and July 15 and after testing wrapped up July 15, the chief of each department told members of the El Dorado Civil Service Commission that enough candidates passed the exams to fill open slots.

Police Chief Kenny Hickman and Fire Chief Chad Mosby said they expect to begin making job offers soon for available positions.

Mosby said two positions are available in the fire department and Hickman said there is one open slot for the police department.

Each department has 51 positions for uniformed personnel.

Hickman said 15 applications were submitted for the summer civil service exams and three candidates successfully completed all three phases of testing: written exams, physical agility tests and oral interviews.

For the fire department, five candidates passed all phases of testing.

Mosby reported that 28 candidates signed up for the tests and seven of 14 candidates who took the written exams passed.

“Out of that seven, one was a no-show for the oral interviews and another candidate did not receive a favorable recommendation for hire,” he told commissioners

“We got more applicants than positions, which is a good thing,” Mosby added.

Civil service exams are typically scheduled twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

In May, Hickman and Mosby requested a summer testing cycle, explaining that recent promotions, resignations and retirements have prompted the need for another round of testing before the fall.

Both chiefs said they don’t anticipate the need for another round of testing in the fall; however, they acknowledged that the need could arise before then.

“I don’t have anyone leaving right now but you never know,” Mosby said.

Added Hickman, “I’ve got a really good group of folks right now that I’d like to keep.”

Candidates who passed entry-level exams for the police department and their rankings are: Dalton Owens, 1; Dennis Johnson, 2; and Tyler Waxley.

For the fire department, eligible candidates are: Jose Pulido, 1; Matthew Kelley, 2; Griffin Reed, 3; Juan Mauldin, 4; and Derek Bryant, 5.

Vacancy

Commissioners discussed a vacancy that opened in April after longtime Commissioner Scott Ellen resigned.

ECSC Chairman Toddy Pitard said he will check with City Clerk Heather McVay to see if any applications to fill the seat have been submitted her office.

Pitard said the group previously mentioned considering a candidate “with legal expertise.”

Commissioner Rod Peevy also pointed to potential candidates with backgrounds in law enforcement and fire service.

Pitard agreed, saying, “We’ve got a good team and we’re looking for someone who will enhance our group. I don’t think we need to make any hasty decisions.”

Anyone who is interested in serving on the ECSC may request an application by calling McVay at 870-881-4877.

Commissioners said they also plan to recognize Ellen for more than a decade of service. Ellen was appointed to the ECSC in 2008.

In other business, Mosby suggested that commissioners resume efforts to update local civil service rules now that the summer testing cycle has been completed.

The commission will next meet at 5:15 p.m. Aug. 12 at the police department.