Residents Question North Adams Police Chief Finalists

Mayor Thomas Bernard has a choice to make.

But before selecting a new police chief for North Adams, the mayor asked for the community's input.

The Berkshire Eagle  reports in a series of separate public meetings this week, three finalists for police chief fielded a wide array of questions from local residents, who will weigh in on the candidates in a survey.

The finalists are Jamie D. Berger, a detective sergeant with the Wayland Police Department; Bryan N. Terzian, a police captain in Ridgefield, Conn.; and North Adams Police Lt. Jason R. Wood.

Though the choice on a replacement for retired Police Chief Michael Cozzaglio is ultimately Bernard's to make, he highlighted the need for public involvement in the hiring.

Cozzaglio retired after 32 years with the department but has remained on an interim basis as the city searches for his replacement. His salary was $82,320 upon his retirement.

About two dozen local residents came to each of the three meetings and, given the loose format, were able to ask a variety of questions of the candidates.

In the wake of the meetings, Bernard will convene his search committee — it consists of members from various factions of the community — for a final recommendation.