Chief Elg accepts Florida job, 'bittersweet to be leaving'
by Zach Parker - posted Friday, December 28th, 2012 @ 11:45 pm

West Monroe Police Chief Christopher Elg announced Friday he accepted a police chief position in Tequesta, Fla.

After nine years of service with the West Monroe Police Department, Elg said "it is bittersweet to be leaving," but he and his family are excited about the relocation.

Tequesta is located in Palm Beach County near Jupiter Island.

"I have been honored to have worked in this community for the past nine years, and equally honored to have worked with the many dedicated and professional members of the West Monroe Police Department," Elg said.

Elg said he and his family were "thrilled" about the new opportunity but he and his family have "equally heavy hearts because we are leaving the West Monroe community."

West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris asked Elg to step down from his position effective Jan. 1, according to West Monroe Alderman James "Sonny" Bennett.

That's what Bennett told a newspaper in South Bend, Ind. where Elg had applied for the police chief job. Elg was considered as a finalist there as well as in Bellingham, Wash. and Bismarck, N.D.

Last week, Elg declined an offer by the Bismarck Board of Commissioners who had selected him as the best candidate.

"He (Elg) was asked to resign by the mayor," Bennett told the South Bend (Indiana) Tribune.

"The mayor didn't give me a reason," Bennett said. "I couldn't say because I don't know."

Bennett mentioned financial problems with the city's police department, not Elg's job performance, as a possible reason for Norris asking Elg to find another job.

"I think he did a good job," Bennett said. "I think the major problem we have – we have a real small city – is expenses. The (police) budget's getting too large."

The West Monroe Police Department hasn't officially named an interim police chief at this time.

Elg starts his new position on Feb. 4.

"I am grateful to all concerned who have supported my work as Chief of Police over these many years," Elg said. "With the assistance of my officers, this department has continued to grow to be the outstanding, nationally accredited department that it is."

"That is no small feat," Elg added.

Return to The Ouachita Citizen online or pick up the Thursday, Jan. 3 print edition for more on this developing story.