PEKIN, Ill. (25 News) — Sharply divided over the dismissal only a week ago of the interim city manager, the Pekin City Council stood as one lavishing praise on Police Chief John Dossey before choosing him to take on a lot more responsibility.
The council voted 7-0 Monday night to name Dossey the next interim city manager, replacing Bruce Marston, who was dismissed last week on a 4-3 vote on allegations he exhibited “inappropriate behavior toward city employees he was managing.
Dossey’s salary will rise to $170,000 a year for performing both positions for the next two months while city leaders look for a permanent city manager.
Dossey was praised for how he handled last week’s sudden passing of long-time police officer Daniel Graber, who was only 49.
The mayor said Dossey showed “true leadership” while Council member Becky Cloyd said Dossey “stepped up to the plate” to hold morale together during a tragic time.
Cloyd and others in the council chamber laid their hands on the chief during a prayer for Dossey and the rest of the department.
The hardest days are ahead for his officers, said Dossey, with Officer’ Graber’s visitation on Tuesday and his funeral on Wednesday.
Dossey said Graber was very good at his job and had a knack for catching burglars.
Dossey said he understands the council’s responsibility to hire the right person as the permanent city manager.
“Take your time,” Dossey told the council.
“Make it right and we’ll do what we have to do to pick up the pieces for now,” he said.
