City Council Passes Appointment Ordinance; McFarland New Police Chief

(NEW EFFINGHAM POLICE CHIEF JASON McFARLAND)

The Effingham City Council Monday voted 5-0 to pass the City's Appointment Ordinance, including the appointment of Jason McFarland as Effingham's new police chief.

McFarland has served on the city police force for just shy of 20 years. He succeeds Jeff Fuesting.

In a written release, new Mayor Mike Schutzbach said, "An imminent matter I want to address is my choice not to reappoint the current police chief, Jeff Fuesting. For some time, I have known of serious discontent within the Police Department. Unfortunately, that discontent, unrest and general misgiving has been pervasive in the City far too long.

"I believe good leadership trickles down from the executives to the individuals of each department. The results are happier employees and maximum productivity. Other methods can be effective in the short run, but good leadership, guiding a willing workforce, is a proven. While Mr. Fuesting may be a good individual, my findings of unhappiness and turmoil within the department requires improvement."

Schutzbach didn't want to discuss in a recording the reasons for the decision. We did ask him to talk about why he felt McFarland is the right person for the job...

McFarland's appointment as Chief is immediate.

We had the opportunity to talk with Jason McFarland after Monday's Council meeting...

One thing Schutzbach noted was that McFarland's appointment is for six months, at which time the decision will be reviewed. He said McFarland has "the ability to lead by example; I believe (the police department) will serve with knowledge, compassion and respect."

A large contingent of the law enforcement community was present for the meeting; not just city police and telecommunicators, but county sheriff's deputies, Sheriff David Mahon and Chief Deputy Paul Kuhns, State's Attorney Bryan Kibler and County Coroner Kim Rhodes.

The appointment ordinance also named Jeremy Heuerman as the Director of Public Works. Heuerman, who has been serving as City Engineer and Planner, succeeds Steve Miller, who is now serving as City Administrator.

The only other change in the appointment ordinance is changing the title of Jane Kemper to Mayor's Assistant.

The vote to pass the appointment ordinance was 5-0.