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HAZLETON — Mayor-elect Jeff Cusat has decided to not keep Frank DeAndrea as the city’s police chief when he takes office in January.
Cusat said in an interview on Wednesday people voted him into office with a desire for change. Citing the city’s ongoing struggles with crime and a negative perception, Cusat hoped the change in the police department’s leadership would usher in that change.
“The city needs a fresh new outlook on things, and we need to create a new identity,” he said. “We need to give people hope that there’s going to be change in a positive direction.”
In an email obtained by the Times Leader, Cusat Monday told DeAndrea that he “decided to go in a different direction” in his administration during a transition meeting held that day.
“Therefore, your name will not be offered for reappointment,” Cusat wrote. “This was a very difficult decision to make and I wish you all the luck in your future endeavors.”
Cusat added that his transition team would like to discuss the decision with him during an exit interview.
DeAndrea thanked Cusat for the notification in his reply, and requested privacy.
“As you are aware, personnel issues are very personal in nature and as such, I have nothing to discuss with media or others pertaining to this decision,” DeAndrea wrote. “Should and when you release this information, you will be doing me a favor if you will politely inform the media for me that due to the personal nature of this issue, I will not want to be contacted and have no comment other than wishing you success in steering the City forward.”
DeAndrea announced his departure in an email to city council and city employees on Tuesday. He indicated that he would not attend the city meeting or give his thoughts on the budget because he didn’t think it would be fair.
DeAndrea also wrote that he has vacation scheduled for the final two weeks of December into 2016, and said Friday would be his last day as chief.
DeAndrea also wrote that 1st Lt. Kenneth Zipovsky will serve as the head of the department after his departure.
DeAndrea could not be reached for comment.