If the reactions to the announcement on our Facebook page are any indication, many people are happy with Farmville Town Council’s unanimous decision to name A.Q. “Andy” Ellington the town’s permanent police chief.

We are, too.

Ellington had served as acting chief in the wake of former Chief Curtis Davis’ resignation in June. About 15 months earlier, Ellington also served as acting chief after the town’s previous chief, Doug Mooney, resigned.

Ellington is, obviously, dedicated to serving the community.

He was hired as a dispatcher in 1987 and then joined the department in 1989 as a patrol officer. As he pointed out himself after being named permanent chief last week, Ellington is in his 29th year of public service to Farmville.

The length and depth of his dedication makes him uniquely qualified for the position. We also like his plans for the Farmville Police Department’s future: expanding youth involvement in community policing efforts, and developing and strengthening its other community outreach programs.

If there is one thing that makes Farmville the town it is, it’s community involvement and collaboration. This was highly evident as a multitude of law enforcement agencies came together to secure the recent Vice Presidential Debate. It is satisfying to see Ellington plans to continue working in that direction.

In addition, he is, from all accounts, well liked in the department and the community.

For all these reasons and more, Ellington was the best candidate for the job. We’re glad he is able to drop “acting” from his title.