Henrico County will have a new police chief April 9, but he's no stranger to the division.

Lt. Col. Doug Middleton will replace retiring Chief Col. Henry Stanley, Henrico County Manager Virgil Hazelett announced today.

Middleton, a 38-year veteran of Henrico Police who has been serving as deputy chief since 1998, will assume command of the nationally acclaimed force with 800 personnel, including more than 600 sworn officers, and a total annual budget of more than $65 million.

Middleton was chosen from a field of 37 candidates from 18 states who applied for the position.

"Dep. Chief Middleton has had a long and impressive career in Henrico," Hazelett said. "He is a strong leader and communicator and readily accepts challenges. I look forward to him continuing his dedication and service to Henrico County as our chief of police."

Middleton joined Henrico Police as a patrol officer in November 1972, rising through the ranks to become captain in 1994 and major in 1995 before being appointed deputy chief. His service includes stints in the Special Action Force, Police Personnel, Inspectional Services, Police Planning, Communications and Records and as a pilot in the Aviation Unit.

A graduate of Henrico's Hermitage High School, Middleton earned a bachelor's degree from St. Paul's College. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police at Harvard University, the Police Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond and the Administrative Officers Course of the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville.

A native of Tocoma Park, Md., Middleton is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He received numerous combat decorations for his service in the Vietnam War, including the permanent award of Flight Wings, two Bronze Stars and 14 awards of the Air Medal for Combat Missions.