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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The City of Jacksonville has named its interim chief after its current chief resigned to take a job in Florida.
City Manager Joshua Ray appointed Deputy Police Chief Ashley Weaver to the interim chief role, effective June 26th. It comes after WITN reported on Tuesday that Chief Jarad Phelps accepted an offer to become the chief in Boca Raton, Florida.
Jacksonville says that Phelps has submitted his resignation.
The city says Weaver started her career in Jacksonville in 1998 and has been a sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before her promotion to deputy police chief in 2018.
Weaver has 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 North Carolina Regional Organized Crime Information Center, the city says.
“Deputy Chief Weaver has proven to be a strong leader throughout her career with the City of Jacksonville,” said City Manager Josh Ray in a press release. “We are excited for her to lead us through this time of transition and to continue the work that she and Chief Phelps started.”
In its release, the city thanked Phelps for his dedication and leadership over the past two years.
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