As Council knows, Major David VanArsdale has been recommended as the new Chief of Police, effective May 21, 2011 pending the consent of City Council. David brings a wealth of experience to the position, having been with the Middletown Police Division for 30 years. He started as a police cadet in 1981 and worked his way up the ranks from Cadet to Officer, Sergeant, and then Lieutenant. In 2008 David was promoted to Deputy Chief where he has served as commander of the patrol section, communications section, property room, investigative section, records section and city jail operations. David has twice received the Meritorious Service Award and numerous letters of commendation and appreciation. He has supervised several task force operations that resulted in felony arrests. I am confident that incoming Chief VanArsdale will lead the Police Division forward during these challenging times. He is a Middletown native and cares a great deal about the community and the safety of our residents.

David was selected by a process that began in November of 2010. As Council knows, the process is dictated by the City Charter and Civil Service rules which require that the candidate be selected from within the department. The selection process included a written test, an assessment center which incorporated a variety of practical exercises, and an interview panel. Per requirements the position was limited to the two candidates holding the office of Deputy Chief.