CAIRO POLICE CHIEF OFFERS HIS RESIGNATION

CAIRO, Ill. -- Cairo Police Chief Harold Nelson submitted a letter of resignation Thursday, citing health concerns and family obligations.

Nelson, a retired Illinois State policeman, was named chief in May 1992.

The Cairo city council is scheduled to consider his resignation at its meeting Tuesday.

"My plans are to stay until they find someone suitable to replace me," Nelson said. "I've been talking about this for about a week and formally submitted my letter Thursday.

"Basically it's because of my health problems my blood pressure," Nelson said. "And my family has been wanting me to retire. And I have other family obligations I need to look into."

Nelson, 61, was named assistant chief here in February 1992. Three months later, he was elevated to the chief's position, becoming the first black police chief in the city's history.

He succeeded Burl Pickett, who had resigned as chief to return to his previous duties as Cairo's representative on the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force.

Nelson has more than 30 years experience in police work, serving 32 years with the state patrol.

When Nelson took over, drug trafficking, gangs and weapons threatened the city. Some residents were afraid to walk the streets.

The state police was called in to make periodic patrols through the city in hopes that presence would dissuade crime.

"I don't have any doubts there have been improvements," Nelson said of his tenure with the department.

"There is no way we will ever rid this place or any other place of drugs or crime. But we have got it to a place where we have got a handle or we are keeping even.

"We are dealing with the normal problems every city deals with."

Nelson, who lives in Tamms, says he's retiring again, but maybe not for good. "I'm not particularly looking, but there are probably some (job) prospects out there. If something interesting comes my way, I'll consider it."

Another Cairo officer, Diane Dodds, has also offered her resignation. Nelson said it was not related to his resignation.