Sun staff
The village of Amelia appointed Jeff Wood as the new police chief on April 14.
Wood has been with the village for 24 years, he said. He started as an auxiliary officer, moved to part time and then to full time. He was sworn in as a sergeant eight months ago.
“He is just a great fit. He fits what council and myself have been looking for a long time,” Mayor Todd Hart said.
Wood has a great personality and is well liked and respected by his department, Hart said. In addition, Wood is not using this position as a stepping-stone to another position, but plans to stay.
Prior to becoming chief, Wood served as interim chief for the past six months, he said. He is still working the roads until he reorganizes the department.
Wood wanted to be chief because he feels it is better to hire internally, rather than bring in a chief that does not know the department.
Also, Wood has seen what works and what doesn’t by watching previous Amelia chiefs.
He does not plan to make any big changes right now, but is having an officer set up a Facebook and Twitter account for the police department, Wood said.
Wood also plans to hire a part time officer soon, and hopes to bring on more auxiliary officers.