On May 31, Chief John Wallace was appointed as Interim Police Chief in Amelia Village.

Chief Wallace’s role in Amelia since his appointment has been to provide leadership as “interim police chief,” while village council researched the possibility of contracting for police service with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office.

“Now that the decision has been made that there will be no shift in Police coverage to the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office, it is time to move forward.” said Mayor Leroy Ellington.

At a Special Council Meeting Thursday September 22, Mayor Ellington asked village council to approve his appointment of David Friend as the new Amelia Police Chief.

“I am happy to announce that village council has approved that appointment and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are very happy to have Chief Friend on board,” Ellington said.

“We have been lucky to have someone with Chief Wallace’s experience and reputation to help us through a very difficult period,” Ellington said. “Chief Wallace did not apply to be considered as a candidate for the permanent position, and now that the idea of contracting with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office is behind us, it is time to look to the future,” Ellington said. “I believe that the good citizens of Amelia deserve the very best from their Police Department and I am confident that Chief Friend will bring strong leadership and a renewed sense of community to the already successful Amelia Police Department.”

Chief David Friend is a 27-year veteran of the Tipp City Police Department, north of Dayton, Ohio, where his role as Sergeant at the Tipp City Police Department is 2nd in command.

Prior to his 27-year stretch at the Tipp City Police Department, Chief Friend also served with the Covington Ohio Police Department, as well as the West Milton Ohio Police Department, serving a total of 33 years in law enforcement.

In addition to Chief Friend’s extensive training and on the job experience, Chief Friend holds a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Tiffin University with a Minor in Public Administration.

Chief Friend has a valid OPATA certification with ongoing supervisory training at his current position.

“Chief Friend will begin as the new Police Chief on Monday December 14, 2011.” “In the meantime, I know that Chief Wallace will continue to provide leadership to the Amelia Police Department just as he has to date.” Ellington said.

“Now is the time to assure our citizens and police officers that there are no ongoing discussions with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office and that the future is ahead of us, not behind us!” Ellington said.