(CENTRALIA, IL) — Lt. Brian Atchison has been appointed Centralia’s new Chief of Police. Lt. Atchison had assumed the role as Acting Chief of Police since October 1, 2016 when Chief Doug Krutsinger retired. Chief Atchison, 50, has 27 years of experience as an officer with the Centralia Police Department. Prior to his appointment as Police Chief, Lt. Atchison served in the positions of patrolman, sergeant, and lieutenant, where he has been Commander of Administration since 2002. His duties have included supervising Centralia Dispatch Center, FOIA Officer, administered Centralia’s public safety 911 PSAP system, supervised field duties of personnel, responded to police calls, a member of the High-Risk Team, and field training and command officer. He is current on all FEMA training requirements for command officers. City Manager Dan Ramey said, “Chief Atchison has years of experience as an officer and a leader that will allow him to understand and implement changes to the challenges and opportunities that Centralia faces Chief Atchison will be sworn in as Chief of Police at 7 p.m. Monday, February 27, at the City Council meeting. Chief Atchison is married to Angie and has 2 children, Zach and Bryce. Ramey indicated he would immediately approve Chief Atchison’s request authorizing the Police Commission to hire an additional police officer as soon as possible.