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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 19, 2006 Mellgren leaves MPD for SOU teaching job Medford chief will work intermittently until Jan. 31 By Meg Landers After eight years heading up the Medford Police Department, Chief Eric Mellgren announced Monday he is leaving his position to take a full-time job teaching criminology and criminal justice at the Southern Oregon University School of Social Science. "It's a comfortable time to leave because the staff is absolutely solid," he said, adding that teaching is something he's wanted to do for a long time. Mellgren, 57, was hired as Medford's chief in July 1998. His salary is $97,000 annually plus $18,000 in benefits and incentives. Mellgren's previous positions include deputy chief in Vancouver, Wash., and director of the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety. He has served in law enforcement for 37 years in Oregon, West Virginia, Colorado and Washington. Advertisement City Manager Mike Dyal will announce the acting chief on Jan. 2. Mellgren will be chief through Jan. 7, then will work intermittently through Jan. 31. Medford Deputy Police Chief Randy Schoen could be among those under consideration as his replacement, Mellgren said. "Obviously Randy is clearly qualified," said Mellgren. "He'd be obviously a very clear and strong contender (for acting chief and chief)." Mellgren said his strengths as chief were helping staff members reach their capacity and encouraging them to do better every day. Mellgren was born on the East Coast. His father and mother moved from Norway to the United States during World War II. His father taught metallurgy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before going to work in the private sector. Mellgren went to high school in New Jersey and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. His father died in 1969, and his mother and brother have since moved to Norway. His brother is a reporter for The Associated Press in Oslo. Mellgren said he's looking forward to being a teacher because his father had been a professor and had instilled the importance of the profession in his son. Medford police Lt. Tim George said the chief brought many improvements to the department, including a renewed focus on training. "He mentored and developed leaders from within the organization," George said. He said Mellgren is known for his willingness to try something new and his patience and ability to listen. "It's our loss," he said. "I'm sad to see him leave because he was a good one." Mellgren said of the department's 170 staff members, 41 are SOU graduates, and there's a close tie between the university and MPD. He said he will be teaching future police officers and expects to be spending time at the police department in his new role. "I'll be saying good-bye but not really," he said. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com