The Town of East Lyme is one step closer to becoming an independent police force.
Officials selected six members to make up the new East Lyme Police Commission Wednesday.
The commission, along with the first selectman, will oversee hiring a new police chief and making the transition from a resident state trooper.
The commission will meet next week to appoint a chair and outline policies and procedures.
First Selectman Mark Nickerson said he hopes to have a chief in place by April, but wants the position filled no later than July.
The decision to make the change to an independent police force came down to money and having someone who is local and fully invested in the community to lead the department.
The East Lyme Police Department already has its own equipment and 22 full-time officers, Nickerson said.
