Branson Police Chief Kent Crutcher says he hasn’t decided yet on a process for choosing a new assistant chief.  Steve Dalton’s announcement that he’s leaving the department to run for sheriff of Taney County will leave the Assistant Chief’s job open as of February 24^th.  Crutcher says since his arrival in Branson on August first of last year, he has relied on Dalton for a smooth transition, and the two have had a very good working relationship…

Kent Crutcher 2012A110    

Crutcher admits he tried to talk Dalton out of leaving, but wishes him the best, and says his experience will serve him well.  

=====(2^nd version)=====

Branson Police Chief Kent Crutcher says he has given it some thought, but has made no decision on how a new assistant chief will be chosen.  Assistant Chief Steve Dalton has announced that his last day with the department will be February 24^th, as he leaves to run for sheriff of Taney County.  Crutcher says he and Dalton have had a very good relationship, but admits that he tried to talk him out of leaving…

Kent Crutcher 2012A111    

Crutcher says he’ll consider whether the new assistant chief will be chosen from within the department, or whether outside applicants will be accepted.  He says with no time frame at this point for making a decision, he’ll look at all possible options.

=====(3^rd version)=====

Branson Police Chief Kent Crutcher says the way in which a new assistant chief will be chosen is still under consideration.  Steve Dalton leaves the assistant chief’s post February 24^th to pursue a run for sheriff of Taney County.  Crutcher says he has given some thought to how Dalton’s successor should be chosen, but has made no decisions…

Kent Crutcher 2012A112    

Crutcher says he did try to talk Dalton out of leaving, but wishes him the best, and says his experience will serve him well.