Former Rock Falls police officer to lead Fulton Police Department

FULTON – The Fulton City Council has selected a former Albany police chief to be Fulton’s next chief.

During a special session Thursday night, the council selected Chad Hermes to replace Chief Nick Neblung when he leaves the position in January.

The council met in closed session to discuss the position. After a unanimous vote, Hermes was chosen as the new chief.

Hermes started his career in law enforcement in 2000 at Rock Falls. He’s served in many roles throughout his career, including patrolman, detective, Albany police chief and team leader of the Whiteside County SWAT Team. Before accepting the position in Fulton, Hermes worked with the Morrison Police Department.

The specifics of his contract have yet to be reviewed and signed, but Hermes is tentatively set to begin work Jan. 6, the same day that Neblung’s resignation goes into effect.

Neblung’s resignation was accepted at the council’s Dec. 10 meeting. Neblung had told the council in November that he was interviewing with another police agency and would possibly be leaving the department. Neblung cited four years of stressed duties, a lack of personnel at the agency and a concern for his health as reasons for leaving.

“Despite our best efforts, the inability of elected officials to recognize and address the needs of our community first and, secondly, the agency over the last 20 years has been disheartening,” Neblung wrote in his resignation letter. “These factors, coupled with the inadequate compensation for the position, the heavy workload and lack of ability to hire or promote a second in command have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue in this role.”

The council is due to receive a letter for police union negotiations next month.

Also at its Dec. 10 meeting, the council accepted the resignation of Mayor Wendy Ottens and the retirement of Business Manager Tammy Garibay.

Garibay’s last day is Jan. 3.

Ottens’ resignation will become effective Dec. 30. The City Council has approved appointing 3rd Ward Alderman Keith King to serve as mayor pro tem, effective Jan. 1. Fulton’s next mayor will be decided in April’s consolidated election.