Mt. Carmel names interim police chief | News

Mt. Carmel has elevated officer John Lockhart to the position of interim police chief.

Our media partner, the Republican Register, reports that the city council voted unanimously to hand over control of the city's force to Lockhart, who will fill the vacancy left when Chief Jeff Besing who was placed on medical leave late last month.

Lockhart has served the MCPD in a number of capacities over the years, including working as K-9 officer. 

City officials say Besing is undergoing treatment for blood clots stemming from an injury he suffered on the job in 2009.  He can be on leave no later than February 28.  After that, a decisiion is expected to be made as to whether he'll return to the department or retire.