CORNING — The city announced Wednesday that acting Police Chief Craig Bassett has been named interim Police Chief following Police Chief Jeremiah Fears’s departure.
Bassett took on the new role effective Tuesday.
“The City recognizes the opportunity for change is in the best interest of the City of Corning,” a Wednesday press release read. “With the recent addition of a new City Manager, we are confident in the visions and fresh ideas for management and administration, including the Police Department.”
The departure of Fears has been an open secret amongst law enforcement and some community members for several months now. The city has repeatedly declined to comment on the subject when the Daily News broached the issue.
Fears was named police chief in November 2015.
At the time, City Manager John Brewer said he was happy to announce the selection of Sgt. Jeremiah Fears, as the next police chief for the city of Corning,
Beginning his career as a police officer in 2001, Fears worked up to the sergeant position in the early 2010s.
He is a Corning High School graduate and has lived in the Corning area for many years.
Fears replaced retired Police Chief Don Atkins. He shadowed Atkins for about six months to ease the leadership transition and learn what the job entailed.
“We are happy to welcome Jeremiah Fears to the city of Corning management team,” Brewer said.
