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Talent Lt. Kammel named as interim chief of police TALENT -- Lt. Elmer Kammel will become interim police chief upon retirement of C.W. Smith April 14, mayor Marian Telerski said Thursday. "(Kammel) knows the department. He knows the city," said Telerski. "As lieutenant, he has managed the department in the absence of the chief. ... He manages training. He directs investigations." Kammel served as a patrol officer for the department from 1994-97 until he retired. He was then asked to return to the department when Smith was hired as chief later that year. Smith and Kammel had served together on the Medford force, where Kammel was an officer for 18 years. Kammel left the Medford police department in 1993 after allegations were made of sexual misconduct. He admitted having sex while on duty, and later resigned in a settlement with the city. Telerski said Kammel is not being considered for a permanent position as chief since he is officially retired. He will most likely be hired for a year or less while the city searches for a new police chief, she said. Kammel and Smith could not be reached for comment Thursday. "The most important thing is (Kammel) has the confidence and support of the department and the council both," said Telerski. "I feel very, very lucky that we have him. He offers stability and continuity." He and his son, Christopher, were honored by the city last year for helping to rescue a Klamath Falls couple and two children whose boat sank on Howard Prairie Lake. Smith had originally announced he was leaving at the end of May, but is now eager to work in his new business brokering hay, said Telerski. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA