POLICE CHIEF WITHDRAWS COLUMBIA CANDIDACY

COLUMBIA -- Rick Hetzel will remain chief of the Cape Girardeau Police Department after removing himself from consideration for an identical post closer to his hometown.

Hetzel said Tuesday that he told Columbia city officials earlier this month to remove his name from the list of candidates to become that city's new police chief.

"I had expressed interest and was a finalist," Hetzel said. "I am no longer a finalist and am no longer interested in the position."

Columbia officials had interviewed Hetzel once by phone but not in person.

Hetzel said he has no desire to leave Cape Girardeau and is not seeking a job with other departments. Hetzel said he considered the Columbia post only because it would have allowed him to live closer to family in Jefferson City, where he grew up. Jefferson City is about 30 miles south of Columbia.

Hetzel said he briefed Cape Girardeau Police Department staff and City Manager Michael Miller when he was still a candidate for Columbia police chief. He said he made it clear he wasn't seeking the job because of dissatisfaction with the city or the department. Miller and department staff were supportive of his decision to seek the job, Hetzel said.

"I think people understand that family issues sometimes take priority," Hetzel said.

Hetzel eventually decided he preferred to stay put. Hetzel said he enjoys living in Cape Girardeau and appreciates the strong partnership the department has with the community.

"I'm very happy where I'm at and am glad to be here," Hetzel said. "I have no interest in leaving Cape Girardeau at all."

Hetzel succeeded Howard "Butch" Boyd, who retired as police chief in January 1997. A 25-year law enforcement veteran, Hetzel served as police chief in the Atlanta suburb of Norcross, Ga., for five years prior to coming to Cape Girardeau.

The Columbia Police Department post has been vacant since the fall. Three finalists for the position remain.