New Neligh Police Officer Has Family Ties To The Area

The Neligh City Council approved the hiring of a new police officer, but he's not exactly new to the area.

Neligh Police Chief Mike Wright told the council he offered Sgt. Craig Nelson, currently with the Washington County Sheriff's Department, a position with the Neligh Police Department.

Wright said the 32-year-old officer wanted to move back to to the area since his wife is from Creighton. Wright said they have a 7-year-old child and plan to relocate to the community soon.

The City Council unanimously approved hiring Nelson at $17 per hour, or $44,200 per year, and also will give him one week's vacation right away instead of waiting until after he completes the first year. Wright said Nelson has four week's vacation where he is now and with the lateral move, he recommended giving the new officer the vacation time. 

Nelson is expected to be on the job around mid-May or the first part of June, Wright said.