CRIDERSVILLE, Ohio (WLIO) – The FBI visited the Village of Cridersville on Thursday, but not for an investigation—instead, they came to offer support and recognition to the village’s new police chief.
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Cleveland Field Office, Greg Nelsen, met with local law enforcement and presented Chief Donnie Chiles with a letter of appreciation for stepping into his new leadership role. Chiles was promoted to chief in June after nearly a year with the Cridersville Police Department. He has served in law enforcement since 1995.
“The FBI wants the chief to know they are a resource for the department,” Nelsen said. “It’s all about partnerships. Any chance we get to shake a chief's hand, hear about what they do, and talk about how we can work together is a good day, and that's why we're here—just to congratulate the chief.”
Since taking over the department, Chiles has rebuilt the team to full staff and is working to re-establish a focus on community policing.
“I think we have a great relationship with the community,” Chiles said. “And I'd like to continue that. I’d like to build the trust with the children around here—also with the police—and help direct them on a better path if they're falling off the path, to help them help their parents and see what we can come up with.”
Training for the department’s new officers will continue through August.
