Rockwood appoints Nicholas Hill as police chief pending checks and exams

The Rockwood City Council voted March 4 to appoint Nicholas Hill as the city’s next chief of police, contingent on his passing a background check, psychological evaluation, physical exam and drug screening.

Council approved the conditional appointment by motion M-046-26 (moved by Mercure, seconded by Crampton). The vote record as provided in the meeting minutes lists Ayes from Mayor Troy A. Cox and Council members Crampton, Johnson, Mercure, Robertson and Slavin; Council member Grzywacz recorded a Nay. The council temporarily recessed into closed session during the appointment process and later approved an employment contract for Hill as amended (M-049-26), subject to the same pre-employment conditions.

Why it matters: the appointment fills a senior public-safety role and includes personnel steps typical for law-enforcement hires, including background and medical clearances.

Details: Council separately approved onboarding costs (M-050-26) totaling $1,300 to cover required background checks, a physical exam and psychological screening through Alpha Psychological Services; the motion notes the psychological services cost not to exceed $800. The employment contract motion (M-049-26) was reported as approved as presented, contingent on Hill completing the required checks.

The meeting record does not include direct public remarks from Hill; the appointment and the associated motions were recorded in the minutes. The council moved on to other business after completing the personnel actions.