Two Bethlehem Police Department supervisors were promoted last week by the Town Board.
Lt. Thomas Heffernan Jr. will fill the role of deputy police chief, left vacant by Timothy Beebe nearly two years ago. Det. Sgt. Adam Hornick will be moved into the newly created position of Police Commander.
“I think there will be a positive effect within the department with these new positions,” said Bethlehem Police Chief Louis. “The ability to manage is almost impossible for one person to handle, and this will give me some added help.”
The Town Board approved the promotions on Wednesday, June 24. Tensions have been high between the police and town in recent months as the Town Board looks to cut overtime spending. The promotions will only add one new position, but will provide more balance to the department’s command structure.
Supervisor John Clarkson said Heffernan and Hornick were “men of integrity,” and just the type of people the town wishes to employ.
“It’s always a pleasure to be able to promote excellent public servants, and the Board and I are very proud to make these appointments in particular,” said Clarkson. “Tom Heffernan, as Deputy Chief, and Adam Hornick, as Commander, will help shore up management and build for the future of the Bethlehem Police Department.
“Both individuals exemplify the highest values of public service, and their experience, integrity, dedication and talent will serve the Town well. Tom Heffernan’s 25 years in law enforcement, including 12 years as Lieutenant well prepare him to serve as Deputy Chief. Adam Hornick’s energy, determination and skill have been demonstrated in many ways over his 19 years in law enforcement, particularly during his tenure as Detective Sergeant for the past two years,” Clarkson said.
The department will be looking to fill the detective role left open by Hornick. It is still undecided if someone will be hired to fill Heffernan’s position, since one lieutenant is out on medical leave and is expected to return. The department is also looking to replace one police officer after one unexpectedly quit last month.
“I’m confident with both of their abilities and they both will do a fine job,” said Corsi. “I think trying to put the command structure back in place is great. I’m grateful to the town for moving forward with this. I wasn’t comfortable at the level it was, and I feel we can move forward to get some initiatives done.”
With the change, Heffernan and Hornick will be moved to management confidential roles, which are not part of the union. They will now be salaried, but will be granted many of the same benefits supervisors see in their contracts.
Bethlehem Police Supervisor’s Association President Stephen Kraz said he was happy for the promotion of two members of the department, but did not like that it would take away two members of his union.
“There will be a learning curve on both sides,” said Kraz. “This will alleviate some of the command issues that weren’t being addressed, and having a new deputy chief is big. There are a lot of issues to keep track of, such as training, equipment, dispatch, technical problems, ect. Oversight is needed.”
Kraz said he was worried the detective unit could become vulnerable if a replacement was not found fast enough. He also wondered what the police commander position would entail, since detail of that role have yet to be announced.
Heffernan has been in law enforcement for the past 25 years, previously with the State Troopers and a telecommunications officer with the town. He has been with the command staff serving as a lieutenant for the past 12 years. He was hired at $105,000, and will receive pay increases for longevity and education.
“I’m grateful to the opportunity,” Heffernan said. “I’m thankful for the confidence the chief and the Town Board has in my abilities, and that they recognized me and offered me the promotion.”
Hornick has been in law enforcement for 19 years. He was previously a county sheriff’s deputy and a town telecommunication officer. He has been with the detectives unit since 2006, but a detective sergeant for the past two years.
“I think it will be challenging,” said Hornick. “We’re at a difficult dynamic with finances and a society that seems to be not very pro or supportive of police for a variety of reasons. At times, it effects the decisions we make. We’re in a public service profession, and we want to insure public safety. We want to be sure to keep the same level of safety and security in the town.”
Hornick said although he is excited by the new position, it will be difficult to leave behind some of the investigations he has become entrenched in. He’s had success in recent years with solving some of the numerous bank robberies in town, but said he know’s he’ll be leaving the unit in capable hands.
“One of the biggest changes for both of us is that we will be non-union,” said Heffernan. “I look forward to continuing to work with them and resolving the issues that have been challenging us as a department. Once we resolve those issues, we can get back to doing what we do best, in preserving public safety to the community.”
An official swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, June 29, at Town Hall.
