MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Congrats are in order for Ken Plaga, who has been selected as Meridian Township’s new police chief.

Plaga brings 23 years of experience with the Meridian Township Police Department to his new role. Since joining the police department in 1995, Plaga has served as a public safety officer, detective, patrol sergeant, training/administrative sergeant, services division commander: lieutenant, uniform division commander: lieutenant and his most recent role as assistant chief of police.

Meridian Township reviewed 31 applications before narrowing it down to six candidates and eventually three finalists. Township Manager Frank Walsh is thankful to everyone who applied and their desire to serve Meridian Township as police chief but felt that Plaga was the best candidate for the job.

“I am proud to recommend Ken Plaga as our next police chief,” Walsh said in a press release. “I trust Ken beyond words to lead our department going forward.”

Meridian Township has been searching for a new police chief since Chief Dave Hall announced his retirement in April 2018. Plaga said he is excited to take on his new role as police chief.

“I am excited to continue to work for the community in my new capacity as chief,” Plaga said in a press releae. “We have a department full of incredible men and women and I look forward to continuing to work with them and the community.”

Plaga will serve as interim police chief until he meets with the Meridian Township Board at their next meeting on July 24. If approved as the new police chief, it is likely he will begin immediately.