Outgoing Carroll Police Chief William Nelson holding a plaque from the department that recognizes his many years of service.

FREWSBURG – Carroll Town Board members wasted no time at the first meeting of 2026 to show their appreciation for William Nelson, the town’s outgoing police chief.

With Nelson’s final day in the position quickly approaching, officers wanted to make sure that there was recognition of all that Nelson does to keep the department functioning smoothly.

At the Jan. 14 meeting, Town Supervisor Tim Burkett noted the Nelson’s contributions not only to the town of Carroll, but also to Chautauqua County as a whole. Burkett stated that Nelson’s dedication to service goes far beyond the seven years that he has spent in the Carroll department. Not only had Nelson dedicated 38 years to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office before moving to the town department, but Nelson has also been a resident in the town for nearly his entire life, according to Burkett.

“So (Nelson) has been a staple and a pillar of the community. We want to thank him from the board,” said Burkett.

Following some background on Nelson from the members of the board, two sheriff’s deputies brought out a wooden walnut plaque that they had made, and presented it to Nelson. The plaque itself was in the shape of a heptagram, the seven-pointed star often associated with law enforcement. The plaque also has the symbol for the state of New York carved into the center, Nelson’s years of service to the community carved in, and Nelson’s full name engraved on the top.

Nelson delivered a quick speech to those in attendance, expressing his gratitude for all of the support he felt during his time as chief. Nelson gave a special thanks to the dedication and hard work of the officers that worked with him in the department, and noted how fortunate the town is to have such great men protecting the community. Nelson also gave a special thanks to his family, and the incredible support they gave him, along with the residents and members of the town board that entrusted him in the position for so many years.

“My hope is that I left the town of Carroll Police Department just a little better than it was before I started,” said Nelson.