Dunkirk Police Candidate Falls Through; City Absorbs $2,432 Physical Exam Cost

From the Dunkirk Board of Works meeting on May 11, 2026

A police officer candidate whose background check was pending will no longer be hired after running into undisclosed trouble. The city had already paid $2,431.80 for his pre-employment physical examination. The Board of Works voted to pay the claim.

This is the second time since the current administration that a candidate has washed out after the city covered the cost of their physical. A previous failed candidate received an invoice but immediately questioned whether he had signed anything making him liable — he had not.

The mayor is asking the city attorney to draft a liability agreement that future candidates would sign before taking the physical, making them responsible for the cost if they fail or withdraw. The agreement will be reviewed by the city attorney and brought to council for approval.

Source: YouTube transcript — 5/11/26 Board of Works and City of Dunkirk - Board of Works Meeting - May 11, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.