NYSSA, Ore. (AP) — The Eastern Oregon city of Nyssa has a new police chief.

Rick Stokoe crosses the state line from Idaho, where he was the undersheriff for Caribou County.

Stokoe says he had three reasons for applying for the Nyssa job — he has relatives in the area, the weather is less severe than in eastern Idaho and it's an advancement in his career.

He says he prefers working in smaller communities, where you can get to know people by name.

The 41-year-old replaces Lennie Elfering, who retired after two years in Nyssa.

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Information from: Argus Observer, http://www.argusobserver.com