New chief has local ties

Cameron Hale was appointed as Creston’s new chief of police Friday after being unanimously recommended by the interviewing committee.

Creston Mayor Waylon Clayton explained the committee had various reasons for going with this appointment.

“Chief Hale brings over 21 years of public safety service, including 16 years in law enforcement. He has served as a K-9 handler, field training officer, crisis negotiator and president of Altoona Police Officers Association,” Clayton said. “His career reflects professionalism, accountability and a commitment to training and mentoring officers.”

Clayton said Hale also provided a detailed plan on what he would do at Creston Police Department over the next year, something that impressed the committee.

Though he has been serving as an Altoona police officer, Hale has many Creston ties, including a nearby family farm and an Uptown business, Greens N’ Things, owned by his wife and mother-in-law.

Hale will be sworn in tonight at 5 p.m. at the city council chambers and begin his full-time duties Monday, Oct. 6.

The interviewing committee was made up of City Administrator Mike Taylor, Human Resources Consultant Paul Greufe, Mayor Pro-tem Richard Madison, Union County Sheriff Brian Bolton and Clayton.