March 6th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

The two finalists to become the next chief of the Cumberland Police Department were interviewed by the city council Thursday afternoon- and then took part in a community meet and greet event at city hall. The finalists — Captain Chuck Ternent of the Cumberland Police Department and Captain Thomas Langston of the Hagerstown Police Department — were announced  late last month. Ternent has been serving as interim chief since Charles Hinnant's retirement Nov. 1.  According to his resume, he's managed every aspect of the police department and has "experience in working as a team with all City of Cumberland management." He's been assigned to the department's administration for seven years as a sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He tells WCBC News that the biggest change in law enforcement in the area in recent years is the increase in drug activity…

Langston lives in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. According to his resume, he is a "dedicated law enforcement professional with nearly thirty years of experience at the local and national level."  He's served with the Hagerstown department since 1999 in roles including detective, sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant and captain and worked as an officer for three years in the Baltimore City Police Department. He tells WCBC a goal of his is to develop a strong relationship between the police department and the community at large…

Eighteen people initially applied for the position. Mayor Ray Morriss told WCBC News that the city’s procedure consisted of a screening committee, a selection and interviewing committee and selection of the final candidates by the city administrator. He expects a final decision within the next few weeks.