From SR Files: Tom Cronin

Ex-CPD Police Chief Tom Cronin announced his candidacy for Commissioner Rick Currie’s commissioner seat Tuesday. Cronin left CdA under less than ideal circumstances. Following is a story from Aug. 30, 2003:

Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Tom Cronin’s job is in jeopardy after the discovery that some city police officers worked without state certification required to make arrests. The Coeur d’Alene City Council called an emergency closed-door session at 10:35 a.m. Friday in Mayor Sandi Bloem’s office to discuss a personnel issue, which neither the council members nor the mayor would discuss. However, two sources close to the investigation who requested anonymity said Cronin initially quit over a dispute with council members about the proper punishment for the officer who oversaw the certification records, but changed his mind and attempted to withdraw his resignation. One person interviewed said Cronin has been suspended with pay and that Capt. Wendy Carpenter is acting chief/ Erica Curless , SR. Full story here.

Related: columnist Doug Clark reminds us of Cronin’s infamous drinking parties for CPD Blue officers in this Oct. 3 2002 column .

DFO: I don’t mean to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm about Cronin’s candidacy, but he definitely has some questions to answer about past performance before the GOP spring primary.