SCOTT CITY POLICE CHIEF RESIGNS

SCOTT CITY -- Police Chief David Beck resigned Wednesday after 10 years at the Scott City Police Department.

He said he plans to start a new job in St. Louis in two weeks, but it won't be at a police department.

"I've got an excellent job opportunity and I'm going to take it," Beck said.

Beck would only say the job is in "private industry." He said he won't move to St. Louis immediately because his wife is studying nursing at Southeast Missouri State University. He plans to commute to his new job, he said.

Beck started as a patrolman in October 1982. He moved up through the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant and was made chief in 1987.

Deputy Chief Rob Elledge, who has been with the department for 13 years, will take over as chief until a new chief can be hired, said Mayor Shirley Young.

Young said she regrets Beck's resignation and commended him for his years of working for the city.

"I believe it's a loss to the city," said Young, who will relinquish her post Monday when the newly elected Mayor Larry Forhan is sworn in. Young did not run for re-election.

"He found a better job," she said. "I hate to see him leave but I wish him well."

Beck said enjoyed his time at the department and that he and other officers managed in the 10 years he was there to lower the city's crime rate.

"I've enjoyed making an impact on that," he said. "I'll miss it a little."

Sgt. Jim Oldham was laid off from the department two weeks ago. Along with Elledge, the department will now have four patrolmen, Danny Clubb, Randy Zimmerman, Bobby Wooten and Eric Schaffer.

Young said the city council will likely approve advertising to hire someone to replace Beck at its Monday meeting. Beck's resignation will also go before the council for approval at that meeting.

Young said Beck told the Police Personnel Board he planned to resign at a closed meeting Monday night.