When Police Chief John Walker meets with staff this morning at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex, he’ll be doing so in a dual role. For Walker, it continues his years of service as chief and it begins a one-month stint as interim city manager.

 

For those wondering how the chief will adapt to the double duties, here’s something to take comfort in. This isn’t the first time John Walker has served as city manager. It is, however, the first time he’s served as Bridgeport’s city manager.

 

“A lot of people aren’t aware I served as interim city manager during my time as police chief in Clarksburg,” said Walker. “There were three different cases, I believe each time the city manager left on vacation, where I filled in for a brief spell. I’m fairly certain they were each one-week periods. I’m not unnerved by this.”

 

Walker said he’ll continue doing his duties as police chief and no interim will be named there. He said he’ll handle the administrative issue that may arise and handle oversight of all departments.

 

“We’ll be dealing with issues that need to be dealt with,” said Walker. “On the police side, I’ll still have plenty of focus there serving the community and I’ll still be handling my responsibilities as it relates to the (Harrison County Violent Crimes and) Drug Task Force. I’ll just be bouncing back between both sides of the building.”

 

Walker said he plans to meet with staff today. The goal isn’t to lay out new policies and procedures, but rather to let staff on the city hall side of the complex to know how to get in touch with him as needed. He said barring something out of the ordinary he doesn’t expect any problems.

 

“I’m confident it’s going to be business as usual and I say that because we have a great group of department heads that are second to none and I don’t say that lightly,” Walker said. “We have a group dedicated and loyal to our community and I am confident they’ll continue to excel as they always do.

 

“This city has been running fine and a big portion of it rests in the hands of the department heads,” he continued. “Plus, the city staff working for each department head all have the same commitment to serving the city.”

 

Walker was named the interim for former City Manager Kim Haws whose contract ended Sunday. Haws had served for nearly 20 years, but Council opted not to renew his contract and have hired Randy Wetmore of Statesboro, Ga. Wetmore is expected to start August 1, said Lang. The announcement of Walker as interim city manager came after the June 24 Council meeting.

 

“I’m very honored to get this chance and honored Council has faith fin me,” said Walker. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity for this month to serve in my home community that is special to me.”

Walker also added that in the event an emergency would divert his attention away from the police department, he’s not concerned. He pointed to his deputy chief as the reason for that.

 

“I’m totally confident Randy Hartley can handle anything. He knows everything that you need to know,” said Walker. “We have a great supervisory staff and a great department well-trained to fill in just in case there would be an emergency situation diverting me away from my police duties.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Chief John Walker, while Deputy Chief Randy Hartley is shown a few years ago at a live shooter practice session.