This past Wednesday the community of Port Arthur was invited to greet and meet with the final four candidates who seek to become Chief of Police. City Manager, Brian McDougal, introduced the candidates to the crowd and asked that citizens share their thoughts with he and city council members to aid in the process of selecting the “Right” person for the job.

The News had the privilege of meeting each of the candidates, and feels the quality of professionalism with each is top notch and would be a very positive move forward for PAPD. However, there can be only one that is chosen.

And one did stand out a little more showing communicational skills, confidence, leadership, an understanding of what Port Arthur’s needs are and a philosophy of how to achieve.

The News feels the nod must go to Patrick Melvin, a native of Houston and retired Chief of Police in Salt River PD in Scottsdale, Arizona. His professional experience has also seen him in the positions of Assistant City Manager of Mericopa, AZ, Public Safety Director and Fire Chief/Public Safety Manager. All which will serve him well in his new position.

Arthur Barclay, a 1980 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School right here in Port Arthur, is currently the Deputy Chief of Fort Worth Police Department. He also has great experience on his resume. Although it may be tempting for some to want to bring a homegrown professional back home to lead our police department, we feel if a change in culture is what is wanted, then an outsider with a fresh view of Port Arthur is what we should seek.

Eddie Campa has experience in a larger metro area of El Paso where he was the Chief Deputy as well as a smaller community in Marshall where he is currently Chief of Police. Although never formally indicted, accusations of embezzlement while with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office continue to bring up questions. Probably not something we want hanging over our new chief.

Jeff Fant, retired Assistant Chief of Police from San Angelo Police Department seems to be a genuinely good west Texas person with experience to handle a Police Chief position. Coming from a community where the Police Chief is elected and not hired, as here in Port Arthur, the mindset of the position and comparison between the two communities couldn’t be further apart. He will be a good chief, but we don’t think PA is where it will be.

Whoever the “Right” candidate is, and is ultimately hired by the city of Port Arthur, will receive our full support as he takes over the Chief of Police position.