HOSCHTON — Hoschton Police Chief Jeremy Howell informed his staff Wednesday morning that he would be resigning his position, according to city officials.
Hoschton Mayor Erma Denney said Howell took time this morning to talk to the officers in the department about his decision to leave. Howell’s last day will be Jan. 4, which will give him time to "help with the transition and bring some of the officers up to speed on some things," he said.
Howell has been with the department for about eight years and took over the police chief position in June when former Chief David Hill resigned to take a position with the Jefferson Police Department.
Howell, a Hoschton resident, said he sees this change as more of a "stepping down" and a chance to spend some time with his children, among other things.
"It’s just a moving on with some things in my life," he said Wednesday. "It’s the optimum time and it seemed like the right thing to do. Eight years is a long time to be in one place. ... But it’s been a very unique experience."
In response to the idea that he’s leaving because of bad blood with new Mayor Erma Denney, Howell said that he and Denney have been friends for a long time and that there’s no hard feelings between the two.
Denney said she anticipates a "very orderly transition" when Howell leaves in January, and has spoken with members of the department about moving its operations to Hoschton City Hall.
"We’ll have a transition, but our priority is to have the police department moved to city hall," Denney said. "It’s all hands on deck to get that finalized — we’re in the last stretches."
The department has been in the process of moving from its space on Pearl Industrial Boulevard to Hoschton City Hall, and originally planned to have everything moved by Nov. 15. Denney said the city hopes to see the department completely moved in by the end of December.
Denney also said she spoke with Capt. William Simmons at the police department, who will be the one taking over following Howell’s departure.
"Everything is being maintained. There are no issues," Denney said. "This will be a very professional transition."
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department has helped patrol the Hoschton area during the last few weeks, and Denney said the city is considering partnering with the sheriff’s office and other police departments to keep residents safe.
"We haven’t talked about dissolving (the Hoschton Police Department). We’re appreciative of other agencies and we’re looking to have partnership with other municipalities and the sheriff’s department so everyone works together as a team," she said.