A new chief will take command of the Salina Police Department.

According to the City of Salina, City Manager Jason Gage has appointed Brad Nelson as Chief of Police. This position generated 38 candidates from across the country.

Nelson currently resides in Columbia, Missouri. He comes to Salina with 29 years of law enforcement experience, including holding the rank of captain for over eight of his 21 years at the Columbia Police Department.

Prior to this, Nelson was with the Excelsior Springs, Missouri Police Department for eight years. He left the department as a patrol sergeant after being hired by Columbia.

Nelson also has military experience through the United States Air Force Reserve.

Nelson holds a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Central Missouri State and a masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Missouri. He is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy and the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command.

Nelson takes over for Jim Hill, who had been Salina Police Chief since January of 1991.

Nelson will begin his new role December 2.