Police chief recommendation on hold

Published 10:11 am Monday, July 30, 2018

Port Arthur may have to wait a while longer for a new police chief.

Interim city manager Harvey Robinson had planned to make a recommendation for the police chief position during the 8:30 a.m. City Council meeting Tuesday. But, he said, he is waiting on some additional information to come through.

“Once I get that I will be prepared to make a recommendation,” Robinson said. “I have requested the item be pulled from the agenda as I have not received the additional information I requested (yet).”

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Four finalists remain in the running for the top spot including:

  • Port Arthur Police Deputy Chief Martin “Bubba” Blitch.

Blitch has been employed with PAPD since May 1986.

  • Drug Enforcement Administration Supervisory Special Agent Tim Duriso.

Duriso worked with PAPD for 13 years prior to DEA.

  • Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Commander John Leger.

Leger previously spent 18 years with PAPD.

  • Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Officer Alton Baise.

Baise has over 32 years experience in law enforcement and previously worked for PAPD.

The to-be-named chief will replace Patrick Melvin, who resigned his post May 19 after less than two years with the department.