Earl Nelson gets the nod as Middletown police chief [Video]

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Deputy Chief Earl Nelson, a 19-year veteran of the Middletown Division of Police, has been recommended as the city’s new police chief, pending formal vote by city council Aug. 6.

Nelson was announced as the pick today after a testing and interview process. The recommendation was one of City Manager Paul Lolli’s last acts in his position. He retires effective Wednesday.

“The role of police chief requires consummate professionalism and model dedication in the office and in the community, both of which Deputy Chief Nelson exemplifies every day,” Lolli said. “Under Deputy Chief Nelson’s leadership, the Middletown Division of Police will have an opportunity to further evolve and grow into a department that this community respects and admires.”

“It’s an honor to be selected for this position. I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement,” Nelson said. “I also want to thank all the people …