BY JANICE MORSE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON -- A lieutenant with more than two decades of police experience was sworn in as Hamilton's new police chief in a ceremony at City Hall on Monday.
"I have a strong commitment to Hamilton, its police officers and its citizens," the new chief, Neil Ferdelman, said in a written statement.
"I intend to set a course that will guide the department into the next century and emphasize excellence, technology and customer service."
Chief Ferdelman, 42, succeeds Simon Fluckiger, who retired in June. He holds a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati.
He became chief after attaining the highest score on a Civil Service examination. Four others also took the test, including Joseph Murray, 41, who was promoted Monday from lieutenant to captain.
He fills the administrative post vacated by Darrell Philpot, who retired along with Mr. Fluckiger.
Capt. Murray, who joined the department in 1979, had been one of five contenders for the chief's post.
The other hopefuls were Capt. Michael Story, who served as acting police chief, and Lts. Steven Isgro and Steve Poulemanos.
"I'm very happy -- thrilled, in fact -- to be working with our new chief and the rest of the police force as police captain," Capt. Murray said in a written statement.
He holds a bachelor of science degree in sociology.
