Veteran law enforcement officer Todd Whited sworn in as Hillsboro chief of police

Veteran law enforcement officer Michael Todd Whited was sworn in as the new Hillsboro chief of police Monday, Feb. 3.

With family and fellow law enforcement officers in attendance, the swearing-in ceremony was held upstairs at the Hillsboro City Building, with Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings administering the oath of office.

"I'm really pleased to announce Todd Whited as the chief of police," Hastings said. "Chief Whited is an excellent selection."

Hastings also praised Hillsboro Safety and Service Director Todd Wilkin for the selection process.

"I'm proud of the selection process used by Todd Wilkin," Hastings said. "It was a very democratic process … Chief Whited passed with flying colors."

Wilkin named Whited as the acting police chief for the city of Hillsboro effective Dec. 1, 2013, following the retirement of longtime Chief Nick Thompson.

"Officer Todd Whited has served the citizens of Hillsboro and Highland County for 15 years," Wilkin said at that time. "His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as the city works through this transition."

Hastings talked Monday of some reorganizing of priorities within the department and referenced Hillsboro's ongoing problem with illegal drugs. Hastings said the department also will be more accessible in the future.

"We are financially poised to be in a better position in the city," Hastings said.

Whited has 15 years of law enforcement experience, including the past eight with the Hillsboro Police Department. Prior to serving with the HPD, Whited served seven years with the Highland County Sheriff's Office. The 1989 East Clinton High School graduate also served in the United States Air Force.

"We want to get out and let people know us, not just me, but everybody in the department," Whited said. "We need to get guys out of cars and meeting with people and be more community-oriented."

During the swearing-in ceremony, Whited's wife, Michelle, held the family Bible that had belonged to his grandmother, Margaret Ruth Whited. In addition, his grandfather Elmer Whited's Deputy Marshal badge from the village of New Vienna was part of the ceremony.

As part of plans for additional community outreach, Whited said he and Highland County Sheriff Richard Warner are working on different projects, including the annual "shop with a cop" program just before Christmas and some in-school assemblies.

Past and present representatives from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Highland County Sheriff's Office and Hillsboro Police Department attended the swearing-in ceremony.