Baldwin City ? Greg Neis was hired Tuesday as the new police chief for the Baldwin City Police Department. He had been interim police chief since Aug. 6, when Mike McKenna resigned the post.

“We had several qualified applicants and I believe Greg has the experience, temperament and dedication to continue building a quality police department,” said City Administrator Jeff Dingman. “I look forward to working with Greg to foster community support for the department, as well as higher levels of visibility and community involvement from the department’s standpoint.”

Neis had been a sergeant with department since December 2008. Prior to that, he had been with the Eudora Police Department for 13 years, including five as sergeant. He has been involved in law enforcement in Douglas County since 1977.

“I’m tickled,” Neis said. “I’m happy they made the decision to go with me to continue with what we started. I’m really looking forward to filling this position.”

The promotion was made by Dingman Tuesday morning. Neis will begin as police chief Jan. 3 at an annual salary of $62,500.