CAIRO HOPES TO REPLACE POLICE CHIEF BY AUG. 1

CAIRO, Ill. -- Cairo Mayor James Wilson hopes to see a new police chief in place by Aug. 1.

"We have started our search process," said Wilson. "Anyone can apply for the position. We'll review all applications."

The position became vacant recently when Police Chief Harold Nelson announced his plans to retire after a year as head of the department.

Nelson, 61, announced officially last week he was resigning because of health and family reasons. He earned $25,000 a year and directed 12 police officers along with six members of a drug task force.

"We were pleased with Nelson's performance and hated to see him resign," said Wilson. "He came aboard here during a crucial period and got us through some tough times and put the department on solid footing."

Nelson replaced Burl Pickett as police chief in May of 1992. Pickett resigned to resume duties as a police officer.

Nelson had retired in 1988 after 32 years with the Illinois State Police. He was named assistant police chief in February 1992 shortly after the fatal shooting of a black man by a white officer, which resulted in some changes in the department.

Nelson's retirement wasn't a big surprise to Wilson.

"We knew he would retire soon," said Wilson. "But, he agreed to stay on until Aug. 1."