By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



The Town of Kimberly is on the search for a new police chief.

Former Chief Mike Melvin turned in his notice on March 27, which was also his last day.

Kimberly Mayor Ralph Lindsey did not give a reason for Melvin’s resignation.

“We are going to make sure we go through a rigorous, good selection process for a new chief. We want to make sure we do that,” Lindsey said.

The City of Kimberly hired Melvin as a police officer on May 10, 2006, and promoted him to chief on Feb. 13, 2007 after former chief Kim Emerson resigned.

Kimberly Assistant Police Chief James Belding will serve as interim chief until a new chief is hired.

In addition to searching for a new chief, the town also needs police officers.

At least one officer, Ricky Sharitt, resigned in February because of “differences in philosophy” with Kimberly’s new administration, according to Lindsey.

Kimberly currently has eight police officers on payroll, including two full-time officers, according to Lindsey. He said the city will hire at least two more full-time officers.

For more information, call Kimberly Town Hall at 647-5551.