On Oct. 19, we offered the opinion A.Q. “Andy” Ellington was the right choice to officially become Farmville’s police chief. Ellington’s swearing- in ceremony Thursday afternoon helped us stand by that decision.

The day’s speakers — Town Manager Gerald Spates, Mayor David Whitus, the Revs. James H. Taylor and Rex Williams, Judge Donald C. Blessing and, most especially, longtime friend Dr. Lee Banton — all, in their ways, affirmed what nearly everyone in Farmville already knew: Ellington has what it takes to be the town’s top law enforcement officer.

It was Banton who told the large crowd inside the historic Farmville Train Station stories about Ellington they’d likely never heard before. Some were funny — very funny — others far more somber.

Put together, Banton’s stories, along with the rest, tell us Ellington is professional, knowledgeable, smart, analytical, dedicated, enthusiastic and, especially, caring. Simply, as Banton put it, “the most outstanding police officer you’ve ever seen” and “the best prepared chief” Farmville’s ever had.

The fact that so many people — several hundred, certainly — came to Ellington’s swearing-in ceremony also speaks to how well he is regarded by other officials, law enforcement colleagues and the public.

No one is perfect, and we are not saying so of Ellington and would not of anyone else. But he has what it takes to be Farmville’s police chief and we are glad he is now officially wearing his badge of office.