Jacksonville Deputy Police Chief Ashley Weaver has been named interim police chief following the resignation of Police Chief Jarad Phelps.
City Manager Joshua Ray selected Weaver as interim police chief with a starting date of June 26.
The decision was made Thursday and days after Phelps, who has been the police chief for two years, accepted an offer to become chief of police in Boca Raton, Florida, and submitted his resignation to the city of Jacksonville.
“We are grateful for the dedication and leadership Chief Phelps has provided our team for the past two years,” Ray said. “His professionalism, experience and understanding of our community’s mission enabled a smooth transition within our police department.
“We support Chief Phelps in this exciting next step as he becomes the chief of police for the city of Boca Raton, Florida.”
During Weaver’s tenure in law enforcement, she has held the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain before being promoted to deputy police chief in 2018. She earned a master’s degree in public safety leadership, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and currently serves as a board member for the N.C. Regional Organized Crime Information Center.
“Deputy Chief Weaver has proven to be a strong leader throughout her career with the city of Jacksonville,” Ray said. “We are excited for her to lead us through this time of transition and to continue the work that she and Chief Phelps started.
“Our police department delivers the highest level of services to our citizens and will continue to do so under the leadership of (deputy chief) Weaver.”