Henderson Police Department Chief Sean McKinney has resigned.
The city of Henderson sent a news release Tuesday at 6 p.m. saying that McKinney is stepping down because of recent family health issues.
“I have enjoyed my time as Police Chief for our department and I am so proud of the work we have done for the citizens of our community,” McKinney said in the release from the city. “I look forward to seeing the Henderson Police Department move forward and anticipate remarkable police work from our officers.”
McKinney was contacted by the Hendersonian Tuesday night but said he didn’t want to make a comment.
In a text message to Hendersonian, Mayor Brad Staton described McKinney as a “fantastic human being with a great deal of character.”
“We are going to begin our search for the next police chief immediately and build upon the work he has done to build, grow, and develop the department,” Staton said in the text message.
Reached by phone later, Staton said the length of time to fill the spot depends on the applicants who seek the position. He said the city will post the job this week and see who applies.
Until a new chief is hired, Deputy Chief Bob Shoultz will act as interim chief, Staton said.
Staton said City Manager William L. “Buzzy” Newman met with Shoultz Tuesday afternoon before they both addressed officers and staff at the police department.
McKinney will take a leave of absence to devote his time to the family health issues, said the release. He will remain an employee of the police department and when he returns from his leave, McKinney will serve as a school resource officer next school year, said the release.