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Less than one day after meeting with borough officials for the position, the former Scranton police chief and current head of the Lackawanna College Police Academy is no longer seeking employment as Clark Summit's top cop.
Dan Duffy doesn't want the job because it doesn't offer medical benefits, according to a brief letter sent to borough council on Thursday.
"After giving careful thought and consideration after our interview last evening, I have great concern regarding a lack of medical benefits being included as part of the full-time police chief's position," Mr. Duffy wrote. "I appreciate the opportunity in being considered and I wish you all the best in your search for a police chief."
Chief Joe Laguzzi's last day on the job will be Oct. 18. He has accepted a sergeant's position with the University of Scranton Police Department.
Mr. Duffy said that, while Clarks Summit is a great community and has a great Police Department, taking a job without medical benefits would put his family at a disadvantage. He would reconsider taking the job should the borough offer a medical package.
Council Vice President Roy Davis said he's not surprised Mr. Duffy changed his mind and doesn't believe the borough plans to budge on its offer.
Under Chief Laguzzi's nearly 4½-year contract extension approved in mid-August, the borough wasn't responsible for providing any medical, disability and dental insurance or vision care.
Mr. Duffy "was very enthusiastic about police work, but I think he even had second thoughts (during the interview) about coming to Clarks Summit," Mr. Davis said.
Mr. Davis said there is no timetable for a decision, though he wouldn't mind waiting until after the November election, noting the number of open seats on borough council.
"As far as I'm concerned, I don't think they (borough council) will do something really quickly," he said. "Technically, the new council could hire someone else in January."
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