CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Police’s acting chief has been appointed the agency’s interim head as the city prepares to begin a recruitment for a new chief in the coming month.

On Thursday evening, ahead of a special Clearlake City Council meeting, acting Police Chief Tim Celli was sworn in as interim chief of police by City Clerk Melissa Swanson.

“Interim Chief Celli has done a great job as acting chief and he will continue to guide the Clearlake Police Department during our recruitment for a permanent police chief,” said City Manager Greg Folsom.

The Clearlake Police Department currently as 17 sworn personnel – including Celli – and 10 nonsworn staff, including dispatch and records staff, two animal control officers, community services officer, and support services and animal control outreach technicians.

Celli, a lieutenant and veteran of the department, has been acting police chief since Dec. 8, 2015.

He filled the role after Chief Craig Clausen went on medical leave, city officials said.

Clausen, who has been with the Clearlake Police Department for more than two decades, was promoted to lieutenant in March 2007 and appointed interim chief in December 2010. The council voted to hire him as chief in February 2012.

Folsom told Lake County News that Clausen continues to be on medical leave. “We cannot comment further due to the confidentiality of both medical and personnel matters.”

The city will begin the process of recruiting for a new police chief in January, after the holidays, Folsom said.

As for his plans relating to the permanent chief’s job, Celli told Lake County News on Friday, “At this time, I do not plan to apply for the position.”

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