Scherer appointed Captain Andy Jackson, a longtime officer, as interim police chief.
Hathaway's resignation was effective Wednesday and Scherer said the city will begin the hiring process soon. “We will be looking for someone with community-oriented policing experience who can relate well to a wide variety of officers.”
Jackson's experience within the department was the deciding factor in appointing him as the interim chief, Scherer said. “He will oversee the day to day operations and maintain continuity.”
Hathaway said this morning an opportunity to go back to training civilians to become police officers overseas came up fairly quickly.
“I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he said of being chief. “I will miss serving the city and I will miss the employees of the city of Roanoke Rapids.”
He applauded the decision to appoint Jackson as interim chief, both for his administrative skills and his emphasis on community policing. “He will do a super job.”
Hathaway was sworn in as police chief last July.
