Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Retirements atop the Springfield police and fire departments mean new chiefs must be installed.

Mayor Misty Buscher’s choice to be police chief, Joe Behl (pictured) – an 18 1/2 year veteran of the force, said he pushes workforce wellness. “Every time I have a staff meeting, I tell them, part of leadership is ensuring that our officers have everything they need to do their job,” Behl told aldermen Tuesday, “not just the uniform, not just the training, but also what they need between the ears,

“And that’s wellness.”

Behl has been a commander and is now assistant chief.

The council is scheduled to vote whether to confirm Behl and fire chief nominee Nick Zummo May 20. Ken Scarlette and Ed Canny are retiring from the police and fire jobs, respectively.

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