MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Middletown Police Chief David Birk has been placed on administrative leave “until further notice,” according to City Manager Paul Lolli.
Lolli declined further comment after confirming Birk, named chief in December 2019, was placed on paid leave.
“Generally, we do not comment on personnel matters,” Lolli said.
Deputy Chief Maj. Eric Crank is the acting police chief.
Birk worked for the department for more than 22 years before being named chief after the retirement of Rodney Muterspaw, who later served as a city council member.
He began his career with MPD in 1997 as a patrol officer. He has moved up the ranks as a field training officer, special operations detective, sergeant, lieutenant and most recently as major and deputy chief. He has also served as special response team commander and honor guard commander since 2006.
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