Mount Pleasant Appoints 25-Year Police Veteran Acting Chief
The Mount Pleasant Town Board unanimously appointed 25-year police veteran Paul Oliva Jr. acting chief Tuesday night.
Oliva, a Valhalla resident, replaces Brian Fanelli, who was suspended following his arrest last week for allegedly downloading and possessing child pornography.
Prior to the town board’s vote, Supervisor Joan Maybury said that Tuesday was “an important evening for the Town of Mount Pleasant.”
“As police officer, sergeant, lieutenant and chief of police, Paul has more than 25 years of police experience with the Town of Mount Pleasant,” Maybury said. “We have confidence he will perform his duties as acting chief of police capably and with distinction. His dedication to the town and its residents is genuine and unparalleled.”
Olivia spoke briefly about the appointment. Members of the department filled the meeting room at town hall to express their support for him.
“I’m very proud to having been selected,” he said.
Olivia also addressed the morale of his department following Fanelli’s arrest.
“Morale has, surprisingly, been very good,” he said.
Oliva will earn a $135,518 salary, the same pay Fanelli was receiving prior to his suspension.
Maybury said the town board would call for the civil service list to make a selection for permanent chief. That is expected to be done within the next 90 days.
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