SOUTHGATE — Former Dayton, Ky., Police Chief Mike Hall has been named acting chief of Southgate as city leaders look to replace Chuck Hazel.

        Officials in the Campbell County city of 3,400 residents hope to name a permanent replacement by October.

        “I have been acting chief for about a month,” Acting Chief Hall said, “and I have applied for the job on a permanent basis. I have dreams and ideas that I would like to implement as chief of police.”

        He has more than 20 years of police experience. He joined Southgate police in July 1999 after retiring from Dayton police, where he was chief for seven years.

        “There isn't a lot of crime here,” the acting chief said. “This isn't a big city and doesn't have all the problems that go along with that. But I want to make sure we serve the community and have good morale among the officers.”

        Councilman Virgil Miller, chairman of the public safety committee, said the job pays about $42,000 a year.

        “We are looking for someone with five or more years of police experience,” he said. “We need someone who can handle the everyday managerial responsibilities.”

        Southgate has seven police officers, including the chief's position. According to the department's Web page, the city received more than 5,000 calls in 1999, the most recent statistics available. Of those calls, there were 159 arrests for driving under the influence and 29 thefts. No murders or robberies were reported.

        Chief Hazel is on paid administrative leave and plans to retire, city officials confirmed.

        Chief Hazel joined the Southgate police in 1976 as a part-time officer before becoming chief about 12 years ago. The Silver Grove native spent 21 years in the Army, where he served in Germany and Korea.

        Chief Hazel couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday.

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