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MURRAY — Murray's new mayor says it's time for a change in his city's police department.
Mayor Ted Eyre, who replaced longtime Mayor Dan Snarr this year after Snarr chose not run for re-election, confirmed Friday that he is replacing Chief Pete Fondaco, who has been a certified police officer in Utah for more than three decades.
"It was strictly just an executive internal decision of mine that I'd like to see someone else come in and have an opportunity to serve in that field and possibly give a new and fresher approach to our police department," Eyre said Friday. "There was no specific problem areas whatsoever under Police Chief Fondaco. He has served here very honorably and very professionally for 35 dedicated years."
Fondaco has been chief of the Murray Police Department for more than a decade.
"I just determined that after that period of time, I'd like to see maybe someone come in with some other ideas," Eyre told the Deseret News. "I think it's time for other people to have the opportunity to serve and come in with some new and fresh ideas."
It was strictly just an executive internal decision of mine that I'd like to see someone else come in and have an opportunity to serve in that field and possibly give a new and fresher approach to our police department.
–Murray Mayor Ted Eyre
When asked whether there was something he saw within the police department that needed changing or needed to be updated, Eyre could not say.
"I think we have a wonderful police department. I think they've acted professionally in every way that I know of," he said.
Murray Assistant Police Chief Craig Burnett will become the interim chief while the city conducts a search to fill Fondaco's seat. The search for a new chief will at first be internal, Eyre said. If the right candidate can't be found there, the city will search outside the department for a new chief.
Fondaco did not return phone calls Friday for comment.
"I think it's always difficult when somebody realizes they're being replaced," Eyre said. "But Pete was very professional about it and understood the position that he's in, an at-will position. He was just extremely professional about the whole thing."
Fandaco's last day with the department will be Feb. 28.
