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From the Jersey Journal today:
<font size="4">2 on council call for making Rogers fire chief </font>Friday, March 28, 2008
By RONALD LEIRJOURNAL STAFF WRITER
The top-ranked candidate for Bayonne fire chief has at least two members of the City Council in his corner, although the choice is strictly up to interim Mayor Terrence Malloy, who interviewed the contenders on Wednesday. Deputy Chief Gregory J. Rogers, who placed first on a state Department of Personnel test for chief, sounded hopeful about his chances although he'll be up against his boss, current Acting Chief Patrick Boyle, who was third on the test. Deputy Chief Joseph Hurley was second. Under DOP regulations, the city can pick from the top three scorers but needn't select the person with the highest score. Rogers said: "I have been with the Bayonne Fire Department for 27 years and have risen by merit through all the ranks. I come highly qualified . (and) I'm excited at the prospect of serving the citizens of Bayonne as their new chief, and will work with the current administration and council to provide services in a responsible manner." Boyle, a 29-year Fire Department employee and a veteran, declined comment, and Hurley couldn't be reached. Malloy, who has until June 20 to name a permanent chief, doesn't need City Council ratification of the appointment, but Councilman-at-large Anthony Chiappone and Third Ward Councilman Gary LaPelusa are pressing the mayor to promote Rogers. "It would be a travesty if the No. 1 guy doesn't get the job," Chiappone said. "Gregory Rogers should be appointed. . The public needs to be shown that we're doing things the right way." And LaPelusa said: "I'm not in favor of the 'Rule of Three.' I'd urge the mayor to go with No. 1 on the list." First Ward Councilman Ted Connolly and Second Ward Councilman John Halecky each said they'd trust the mayor's judgment. Council President Vincent Lo Re Jr. didn't return phone messages.
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