CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Orange Chief of Police Kiline Madison stepped down and the town has promoted longtime officer and deputy chief Rebecca Nelson to be his replacement, Interim Town Manager Chris Snider announced Monday.

Madison, who became chief in November 2021, wrote in a statement that his decision to leave his role was due to “medical” reasons. Snider’s statement said Madison will become the deputy chief, taking over Nelson’s former responsibilities, a post that Snider said suits Madison well.

“This has kind of been in the works for a while,” Snider told Cville Right Now on Monday. “He’s really a cops cop and he’s a great investigator.”

Nelson joined the department in 2002 as a part-time officer and steadily worked her way up through the ranks. In January 2024, Nelson was promoted to Deputy Chief, and was supervising investigations and internal affairs. She is the departments longest-serving officer who Snider called a skilled investigator who also possesses strong administrative skills.

“Becky’s been a natural fit,” Snider said, noting she had expanded her leadership role and administrative duties while serving under Madison. “She’s basically served in every role in the department.”

In his letter announcing his decision to step down as chief, Madison wrote, “This decision was not made lightly. Due to ongoing medical matters, it is important that I take the necessary time and space to focus on my health and overall well-being while continuing to serve the department and the community I care deeply about.”