Baxter selecting a new police chief from within its own department after the sudden retirement of Police Chief Al Reyes.
Mayor Danny Holmes said Reyes’ resignation was immediate, with his last day Friday. The current sitting council will be in place at the special called meeting August 31. Holmes said the Lieutenant Brandon Herren and Lieutenant Brian Maxwell applied.
“And they will give their speeches, both of them will,” Holmes said, “And the council will make a decision who the next police chief for the city of Baxter will be.”
Holmes said the current council was best suited to make the decision because of their working knowledge of the candidates.
The leadership change was prompted by Reyes stepping down to address health concerns within his family. Holmes said Reyes originally joined the department two years ago during a difficult transition period and performed well in the role.
Holmes said the department continues to provide 24-hour protection to the community while the position is vacant. Holmes said the city will begin the process of hiring a new officer to fill the vacancy created once one of the lieutenants is promoted to the chief’s position.
“They’re from within, they know the department, they know the men that they have worked with, and we feel like that it’ll be a smooth transition, and we’re looking forward,” Danny Holmes said. “We, you know, hate that Chief Al Reyes had to leave, we do understand it.”
