Ellwood City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 8, 2010 Jon-Paul Wimer, Senior Journalist 8:55 AM - In attendance to speak during the guest session (at the beginning of the Borough meeting) was Jerry Ferrucci of Cherry Hill Rd., Ellwood City and Joe Morabito of Fountain Ave., Ellwood City. The two gentlemen were slightly irritated on information they had been hearing regarding the status of the Ellwood City acting police Chief Lt. Dave Kingston and his “uneven” opportunity to become the permanent chief.   Supposedly, Ferrucci was in a local restaurant and heard an unidentified council member discussing the position of the police chief in regards to Lt. Kingston “never having a chance.” Council President Anthony DeCarbo stated that the area of police chief has not yet been discussed as of the current period of time.  Councilman John Todorich also acknowledged the comment regarding this accusation. “First of all, I just would like to say that the position is not yet opened,” said Todorich in response to Furrucci’s comment to the Council.  “But if [a council member] is out there talking about the position of the police chief, I will immediately ask for their resignation.”   Morabito, the second of the two speakers, spoke to the Council on how he felt that Kingston is “more than qualified” to be the permanent chief of the Ellwood City Police, while also wondering why he may be considered “disqualified.” DeCarbo responded saying Lt. Kingston will be automatically involved in the application process of the permanent police chief if he so inclines to partake in the process.  “There is nothing about Lt. Kingston that disqualifies him from the position if he applies,” said DeCarbo.  “How he answers the questions during the interview will be a major part of the decision.”  The Council would later pull the information to be discussed during last night’s meeting regarding the list of qualifications for employment of a new police chief in order for them to go through Civil Services.  According to Councilman George Celli, past police chiefs (except for the previous two) were examined through Civil Services by conducting the interviews then recommending their opinions to the council.  DeCarbo agreed with this request from Celli and pulled the qualifications for employment from the agenda so that it may go through Civil Services.  In the end of the police chief discussion, the overall feeling with the council members who spoke was an appreciation towards the Ellwood City Police, including Todorich who said he has never seen the police department “run as smoothly as it is now.”  More appreciation towards the Ellwood City Police was expressed in a letter by Albert Geniviva relayed to the Council and those in attendance from Mayor Anthony Court.  Geniviva, 55, of 160 Pittsburgh Circle, Ellwood City, was assaulted by Bruce Brown, 38, of 6646 East Hawk Drive, Tuscon, Arizona, and Mike Barron, 41, of 107 Orchard Place, Pittsburgh on February 10, 2010.  Due to their immediate response, the Ellwood City Police apprehended the suspects minutes after Geniviva contacted 911.  In the letter, Geniviva wanted to commend the Ellwood City Police Department, as well as the officers involved, Zaddock Dismuke, Brian Damon, and Michael MacBride, for their quick response.