From The City Of Middlesboro -
Middlesboro Mayor Rick Nelson has released information on the retirement of Police Chief Tom Busic and two promotions in the Middlesboro Police Department.
"Current Middlesboro Police Chief Tom Busic ends his 20 years of service with the department on Friday July 31, 2020, but his resignation as chief takes effect on Sunday July 26, 2020. Tom has been an incredible asset to the community and to our police department and he will be sorely missed, we wish him the best in his retirement from law enforcement.
Mayor Rick Nelson has appointed two individuals to be promoted as Mr. Busic vacates his position as Chief.
Life long resident Michael Orr will be stepping into the interim Police Chief position on Monday July 27, 2020 and then sworn in officially at a later date. He has been transitioning into the position with the assistance of Chief Busic. Michael was initially hired as a police officer in January of 1982. He attended the Department of Criminal Justice Training from January to March of the same year.
His career continued for over 20 years with the Middlesboro Police Department starting as a Patrolman onto Sergeant, then lieutenant. Still being active in law enforcement, Micheal served 9 1/2 years as a Victim Advocate with Bell County Commonwealth Attorney Karen Blondell. After several years of retirement, Michael was once again hired by Mayor Nelson in March of 2019 where he is currently serving Middlesboro.
Also being promoted is Joe Holder from Lieutenant to department Captain. Joe started with the department in May of 2003 and was later assigned to narcotics investigations in January of 2007.
He was promoted to Sergeant Investigator in October of 2010 and continued his work in investigations until promoted to Lieutenant in July of 2019. Joe has lived in Middlesboro for most of his life and enjoys serving his community. He has a 14 year old son named Will Holder.