The Thurmont Police Department temporarily appointed Lt. Ted Nee of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office as its acting chief, while officials search for a permanent replacement for former Police Chief Terry Frushour. Frushour retired July 17.

Nee's appointment begins Sunday and will be effective until a permanent chief is named, according to a press release sent by the town.

"We will support the Town of Thurmont and the Thurmont Police Department during this transition," Sheriff James W. Hagy (R) said in the press release. "Lt. Nee is a respected and capable leader within our office and I know that he will serve the Thurmont community well."

According to the press release:

Nee has served the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for 21 years. He began employment with the Sheriff's Office in 1984 working first as a correctional officer.

Nee attended Hartford County Sheriff's Office's Police Academy in 1987, and was assigned to Patrol Operations as a patrol deputy after graduation.

In 1991, Nee was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Unit where he served as a detective until 1993, when he was promoted to the rank of corporal and assigned as the Criminal Investigations Unit supervisor. In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to Patrol Operations. Nee served as the Criminal Investigations Unit supervisor from 2001 until 2003, and became the unit's commander after he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2004, Nee was again transferred to Patrol Operations where he served as a Patrol Shift Commander.

Nee graduated from Shepherd College and lives in Frederick County with his wife and two sons.

"I am excited to have been chosen to serve the Thurmont citizens in this capacity," Nee said. "Over the years I have enjoyed working with the Thurmont Police Department and now look forward to working closely with Thurmont's residents."

How long it will take for the town to find a permanent replacement for Frushour remains to be seen.

Last time the town tried to appoint a permanent police chief, it took more than six months to decide on Frushour. Frushour was acting chief while the town was looking for a permanent replacement for Chief Neil Bechtol, who retired in June 2002.

"We're going to do it as quickly as we can," Mayor Martin Burns said.

But, the town's board still has to decide on the search pool for the permanent chief, which could include looking nationally, Burns added.

Burns intends to appoint a chief everyone can agree upon.

"I intend that the new appointment will be unanimous by the entire board of commissioners," Burns said.

In the meantime, town officials are grateful to have an interim chief with the appropriate credentials coming on board.

The town is covering Nee's salary, which has not been determined yet. But Burns said he does not anticipate paying more than what Frushour earned, he said.

"The Town of Thurmont greatly appreciates the assistance provided by the Sheriff's Department and Sheriff Hagy's continued support of the Thurmont Police Department," Burns said. "We are looking forward to working with Lt. Nee during our search for a new chief of police and the town is confident in his abilities to serve the community."