NEWBURGH – Acting Newburgh Police Chief Daniel Cameron said he did not sign up to take the civil service exam to be given as open competitive because the rules are more stringent for those who work for Newburgh Police rather than those who were never employed there. That’s why he requested a promotional exam, which the city civil service commission refused to offer.
“I believe that this is irrational and contradicts the spirit of civil service laws,” Cameron said on Tuesday. “I refuse to set a precedent that hard working, dedicated, proven city employees have their service time ignored.”
Cameron said all departments in Newburgh “have dedicated employees that are overworked, underpaid, constantly under stress and rarely appreciated. However, they stay dedicated to our city despite many other opportunities they are able to pursue. It’s a sad day for Newburgh when this is not recognized.”
Cameron said he has served his profession honorably, with integrity and with principles throughout my career” and he said he will “not go against any of those traits to maintain my current position. However, I will continue to remain dedicated to supporting our officers and improving our service and relationship with the community.”
On Monday night, Mayor Judy Kennedy told Mid-Hudson News that she was “heartbroken” that Cameron would not remain on as permanent chief and she called the civil service commission unreasonable for not offering both the promotional and open competitive tests for the chief position.
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