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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, December 27, 2013

Two Bethlehem Police Chiefs?

Incoming Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez nominated Lt. Det. Mark DiLuzio as the City's next police chief in early December, but the current occupant of that office reportedly refuses to go gentle into that good night. Chief Craig Finnerty, who was just confirmed in August, is apparently dragging his feet. He is refusing to make way for his successor.

When he was confirmed, Chief Finnerty acknowledged that the incoming mayor has the right to appoint whomever he wants.

I attempted to contact Finnerty, but he's on vacation until January 2.

Updated 11:15 AM: Chief Finnerty contacted me and told me he will be stepping down.

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jeez, this is the type of article I'd expect from the local rags, no substance and very shallow.

Anonymous said...

Now you did it . You attacked a Callahan clan member.

Anonymous said...

I don't get it. A lot of people take off between Christmas and New Year's. How does that make him dragging his feet. He would be chief until January 6th anyway.

Anonymous said...

He is Chief until January 6th. Council gets to approve the new Chief that day, and Donchez gets sworn in a mayor.

What do you want Finnerty to do? Quit or resign now and let DiLuzio take over?

Seems that you are reaching for a story.

Bernie O'Hare said...

No. I heard from several people who should know that Finneryt does not want to step downa nd was not making things easy for his successor. The Cheif has now assured me he will abide by Donchez' wishes. Had I heard from him sooner, this probably would not be a story.

Anonymous said...

Craig is a great guy. He should be the Chief.

Anonymous said...

So Morganelli was wrong?

Bernie O'Hare said...

I heard about this from several people. None was Morganelli.

Anonymous said...

"I heard from several people who should know..." sounds a lot like, "word on the street is..."

Craig Finnerty is a good cop and you should have given him the benefit of asking him directly.

"Had I heard from him sooner, this probably would not be a story..." Additionally, why does the Chief of Bethlehem have to report to you for a story? I'm sure Craig is disappointed, but your verbiage trashes his distinguished career.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Given the defensive reaction from people like you, I'm glad I posted the story. This was not some made up horse shit. I heard this from three completely different sources in a position to know. Also, I did attempt to contact the chief, but he is on vacation until Jan 2. So I went with the story. The chief contacted me and I updated my post. At no time did I attack his reputation or his integrity. I simply reported that several sources have claimed he is showing no inclination to leave. He has now responded that he will respect the Mayor 'a wishes. So whatever power play you were considering, it's over.

Anonymous said...

I suspect that the "sources in a position to know" had an agenda or "whatever power play they were considering". But Craig's integrity showed, even during his vacation, he took the time to contact a "bottom feeding" blogger to set the record straight. And, yes, this was made up horse shit and you were played by the "sources in a position to know" for their agenda. Lastly, your defense of your story lacks an apology to the Chief.

Anonymous said...

Wow!! The self proclaimed marketer for the city, social media and blog expert needs to chill out. She spends entirely too much time posting here and defending Callahan cronies.

Bernie O'Hare said...

3:41, I reported a story based on reliable information from multiple sources. I had not spoken to the Chief and made that clear. When I did get to speak to him, I reported what he said. I have no obligation to apologize for reporting that Finnerty was apparently dragging his feet, not do I owe him or anyone an apology. You seem to think these people are above scrutiny, and imply that one who just questions what is going on is attacking that person's integrity. The commenter above is right. You need to relax.

Chief Finnerty is a decent man and a good police officer who takes his job seriously. Nothing I have written in any way casts a dark light on that. Even if he refused to step aside, he could have legitimate reasons for doing so. So I don't really get your whining here. That is what it sounds like,by the way.

Anonymous said...

it's not who u know it's who u blo......

Anonymous said...

anon 9:44 if you mean Karner. Amen. She is a Callahan clan member in the middle of the Donchez organization.

She will explode at someone within a year!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Vicious people like anonymity.

Bernie O'Hare said...

But they're losers.

Anonymous said...

and they are right!

Hit a nerve??

Bernie O'Hare said...

You hit no nerve. Anonymous weekend trolls are never right. They are just losers who don't even have the guts to sign their name.

Anonymous said...

craig was the orst possible choice for chief but then look at the options.... he is an ass and was only a temp as proven..now after many years of disapponting chiefslike bedics, donches and a few others we will finally have a real chief to head a real police dept....now we need to get rid of the riff raff cops and make this a safe town again...GOOG JOB MAYOR DONCHES

Anonymous said...

What are you smoking?

Anonymous said...

Sources close to donchez have been told city council may not approve his choice for chief.

Anonymous said...

His best bet is if they don't approve the Callahan plant, Karner.

Anonymous said...

jeez, I can't wait to hear how everyone feels about the new fire chief!

Anonymous said...

The new fire chief is qualified. She has support from the ranks.

DiLuzio is a grudge guy; a holdover from the DelGrosso/Ehrsam vs. Callahan/Cunningham fiasco. Doncez chose him for the wrong reasons: a political choice for Chief of Police, and the first time a new mayor replaced a non-retiring police chief as part of his cabinet creation.
Maybe Finnerty isn't the right guy, but if a new guy was needed, was DiLuzio the best choice?
Public Safety isn't a political game. The cop who supports your campaign shouldn't be the one who gets the job, and most, if not all, DiLuzio supporters are Callahan-haters: not a reason to support anyone for Chief of Police.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Since Callahan was leaving office, I think this should have been an acting chief appointment.

Anonymous said...

anyone who believes the new fire chief nominee is supported by the ranks must not know anyone in the ranks. we firefighters tend to prefer bosses who have shown they can "walk the walk". she has not done that. of course, when you consider the person she is replacing is legally blind and can't get out of a chair without wheezing and gasping for breath. she's probably an improvement.

Anonymous said...

New fire chief is all about herself! She tried to get a assistant chief fired by accusing him of sexual harassment. She wanted the city too give her early retirement to drop the law suit. The city did not and she loss the case because there was no merit. She also refused to go into a fire because she said "I was hesitant" she can not even take equipment out of the trucks because is to heavy. I am all for female fire fighter. The ones that can do the job. She can't. Unfortunately the best place for her is behind a desk. Another department head that does not live in the city. Upper Mount Bethel is a long ride when there is an emergency here in Bethlehem.

Anonymous said...

She has withdrawn her name. Nice one Bobby D. Predict the next appointment to explode in his face will be old F-bomb Karner.

Bernie O'Hare said...

People like you are so negative it's no wonder you're reduced to anonymous comments on a blog.

Anonymous said...

Hmmmmm. Wonder why she withdrew her name. No way she would make more on retirement. Should will receive 70% of her highest salary in her last 3 years. Once again she is full of shit. What is the real reason?