By Currier Times Staff////

Curry students are questioning the recent and sudden departure of long time Public Safety Chief, Paul King. An email earlier in the week announced that the college was parting ways with the Chief, but students told The Currier Times they never received their own email notification.

An email halfway through the day on Tuesday September 24th, said a “staffing change” was taking place in Public Safety with King “no longer with the college,” the email written by Vice-President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Erik Muurisepp, stated.

Students interviewed by The Currier Times said this was the first they were hearing about the departure of Chief King.

“It leaves me concerned as to whether he left by choice, or if he did something that got him fired,” said Luka Kiami, a junior Community Education major. “If the latter is true I believe there must have been a good reason for it. But if the former is true, it seems off that the college mentioned nothing about it.”

Senior Psychology major, Harry Zennenberg, was surprised to hear of the change at the top of Public Safety.

“It’s crazy that he was the leader of Public Safety,” said Zennenberg. “I feel like it should’ve been addressed to everyone through email.”

After this article was published, another email was sent to the entire Curry community indicating the chief was no longer at the college.

Questions still on the minds of students include whether this was a voluntary separation, whether King retired or became ill, or if this was a firing.

Muurisepp told The Currier Times he could not comment on “personnel issues.”

In the meantime, Muurisepp’s earlier email did indicate that the temporary contact person for Public Safety is Lt. Terry Steel, and an “external search for our next Director & Chief” will begin soon.

In questions from The Currier Times, Muurisepp said Steele was “not” considered an interim chief at the college but he would remain the “day shift lieutenant.”

The college, as of Monday September 30th, had posted the search for a new Director of Public Safety on the college website. Muurisepp told The Currier Times that the search will include student input.

“Due to the nature of the position it will include students, staff and faculty,” said Muurisepp. “More information to come.”

As to why President Jay Gonzalez didn’t notify the community, Muurisepp said that Public Safety reports to him as Vice-President of Student Affairs.