UPDATE:
A Dauphin County police department stricken by controversy now has a new leader.
We first told you about Middletown's new police chief at six and his plans to reshape the department.
Now, we're learning more about why the Middletown's former chief stepped down.
Middletown's new police chief, Steven Wheeler, has big plans for the borough. A borough that's seen it fair share of problems, including ones with a former police chief.
The police chief position in Middletown has been a revolving door.
Police Chief Keith Reismiller resigned in January of last year. Then David Sweitzer was acting chief.
After that Mark Hovan was sworn in as chief. Now, Steven Wheeler fills those shoes.
“I left the office of AG and I'm still young enough that I enjoy being in the law enforcement profession this position was offered to me,” explained Wheeler. “It's a challenge. Something I'll enjoy doing.”
Some people in Middletown blame the many police chief changes on trouble within the police department.
Back in 2011, CBS 21 News broke the story about Middletown cop Benjamin Lucas. Lucas was charged with showing up to work intoxicated and waving a gun around.
That was under Reismiller's reign.
Mark Hovan was chief for only a few months before he resigned. CBS 21 News sources say Hovan was pressured out after he tried to clean up the department.
He is now a detective with Middletown Borough Police to the latest police chief, Wheeler, who pledges to put his foot down.
"I'm aware that there's been some controversy, with regards to borough and police department,” Middletown Police Chief Steven Wheeler told CBS 21. “My job is to provide the leadership to get us beyond that."
Chief Wheeler also says the rumors that the Middletown Borough Police Department is disbanding are not true.
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The Middletown Borough Council has appointed a 31-year law enforcement veteran as their new borough police chief...
Middletown's new police chief, Steven Wheeler, has big plans for the borough that's seen it fair share of problems, including ones with a former police chief.
I's been a revolving door when it comes to police chiefs in Middletown, and it all started with former borough police chief Keith Reismiller's resignation in January of last year.
During his time as chief-there was controversy among Reismiller and certain borough council members.
There was also trouble within the police department.
Back in 2011, CBS 21 News broke the story when a Middletown officer was charged with showing up to work intoxicating and waving a gun around.
Middletown's new police chief Steven Wheeler say he plans to turn things around.
“I'm aware that there's been some controversy, with regards to borough and police department,” explained Middletown Police Chief Steven Wheeler. “My job is to provide the leadership to get us beyond that."
There also had been rumors in Middletown that because of budget problems, the police force would disband.
"I will tell you that in all the conversations I've had with anyone in borough government there is no intention to disband the police department,” Wheeler told us. “There is no intention to regionalize police services, there is no intention than to try and get the police department in the best light possible, to make it effective in the borough"
Chief Wheeler has more than 30 years experience law enforcement. At one time he worked narcotics undercover for the Attorney General's office.
Wheeler started his career as a patrol officer in Luzerne County. He says Middletown is his last stop.
"I left the office of AG and I'm still young enough that I enjoy being in the law enforcement profession this position was offered to me,” Wheeler added. “It's a challenge. Something I'll enjoy doing."
Wheeler has a wife and step-daughter.
They live in Perry County but are thinking about relocating to Middletown.
