Nyc Trooper New Medical Lake Chief

A former New York state trooper is the new police chief in Medical Lake.

Christopher Elg, 32, was hired this summer for the $37,500 position and began work Sept. 1. He replaced former Medical Lake police Chief Don State, who retired in June after 12 years.

Elg has been a trooper in Congers, N.Y., about 20 miles north of New York City, for the past 10 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in police science and has nearly completed courses for a master’s degree in public administration.

Elg said he’d been looking for an administration job and heard about Medical Lake’s opening through an advertising service.

“It was a big move, but the quality of life back home wasn’t as good as it could have been,” Elg said. “I was ready for the change.”

Elg said he hopes to double the number of Medical Lake reserve officers from four to eight and get the five-officer department more involved with youth in the community. Applying for another full-time police officer through federal Crime Bill money is another priority, he said.

, DataTimes