Marion Police Department Hires New Chief

The Marion Police Department has concluded an exhaustive search for its new police chief after Joe McHale left for Florida and the private sector earlier in the summer.

Mike Kitsmiller brings 20 years of FBI experience and 11 years as part of the Memphis Police Department to the job and will start on September 20.

"I am honored and very excited about the opportunity to work for the City of Marion and lead the men and women of the Marion Police Department", said Kitsmiller in a statement to KCRG.

Marion City Lon Manager Pluckhahn reiterated the desirability of the job by noting the highly-qualified group of candidates they had to choose from, noting Kitsmiller's "solid reputation within the law enforcement community" and familiarity with the area.

Kitsmiller spent much of his FBI time in Eastern Iowa and his kids graduated from Linn-Mar. He says he is honored to oversee a department of 45 officers and 15 civilians.

[Via KCRG]