David Birk News Today

The city of Middletown has opened the bid process for the operation of the senior and event center, according to city documents obtained by the Journal-News.

Current Acting Chief Eric Crank will retire in April, and the leadership of the department remains uncertain with the chief on paid leave for reasons city officials have not shared after two months.

On Dec. 20, Birk was placed on paid administrative leave and left the city building after turning over his gun and badge.

A letter presented to Birk on Dec. 20 says Birk is to remain on leave 'pending further review of matters relating to your employment.'

An attorney representing Middletown Police Chief David Birk, who was placed on administrative leave on Dec. 20, said action against the longtime police officer is not warranted.

The chief of the Middletown Division of Police has been placed on administrative leave, according to the city of Middletown.

City Manager Paul Lolli says in the last line of the letter, “this administrative leave is not a disciplinary action or adverse employment action.”

Major Eric Crank has been designated as the acting police chief.

Deputy Chief Maj. Eric Crank is the acting police chief after Middletown Police Chief David Birk was placed on administrative leave.

Police were notified around 8 a.m. that shots had been fired in the 8300 block of Hendrickson Road, said Police Chief David Birk.