Veteran officer to be Fostoria's new police chief

10/22/2004

FOSTORIA - A 25-year member of Fostoria's police force is in line to become the department's next chief.

Capt. Phil Hobbs outscored Capt. Jimmie Deiter on a civil service exam given to the two candidates for Fostoria's top police job, Safety-Service Director Ralph Wise said yesterday.

Captain Hobbs could take over the department as early as next week, Mr. Wise said. "He's excited about it, and he'll be a very good chief," Mr. Wise said.

Captain Hobbs would replace former Chief Dennis Day, who was fired Aug. 3 over allegations of neglect of duty, insubordination, dishonesty, and other misconduct. Mr. Day has appealed his dismissal to the Fostoria Civil Service Commission.

Mr. Wise said Captain Hobbs could be named acting chief or interim chief pending the outcome of Mr. Day's appeal. Captain Hobbs joined the department April 22, 1979, and was promoted to captain on May 16, 1999.

Capt. Rodger Wilson, a 32-year department veteran who was named acting chief when Mr. Day was fired, did not take the civil service exam.