THOMASVILLE — Thomasville’s police chief resigned Friday to take a position with a Central Florida sheriff’s office.

Chief David Huckstep resigned to accept the position of chief deputy of the Alachua County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, City Manager Steve Sykes said Friday afternoon.

Huckstep could not be reached for comment.

Huckstep has been chief a little more than five years — since Oct. 1, 2001. He was chosen by Thomasville City Council after a lengthy search to replace John Perry, 25-year former chief, who retired.

He came to Thomasville as chief after more than 25 years of service with the Gainesville (Fla.) Police Department. Gainesville is the county seat of Alachua County.

Huckstep tendered his resignation to Sykes.

“On behalf of the city, I want to express my appreciation to Chief Huckstep for his service to our community over the last five years. Under his leadership, the Thomasville Police Department has progressed both in the use of technology and in enthusiasm of service to the community,” Sykes said in a press release.

“David’s passion and dedication to making Thomasville a better, safer community have been unrivaled, but I certainly understand his decision to accept the chief deputy’s position with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The position is a great opportunity for him, and we wish him and his family the very best,” Sykes added.

In the press release, Huckstep expressed appreciation to the community and to his staff for the opportunity to serve the City of Thomasville.

“I believe Thomasville to be at the ‘top’ as an outstanding community and the Police Department of Thomasville to be among the finest. My wife and I consider ourselves blessed to have called Thomasville home, and it has been both an honor and a pleasure to serve the citizens of Thomasville,” said Huckstep.

The chief’s resignation will become effective Nov. 24, 2006.

Sykes will name an interim chief of police early next week, said Lynn Williams, assistant city manager.

“At that time, he will be deciding on the search process,” Williams said.

Thomas County Sheriff Carlton Powell, who met with Huckstep late Friday afternoon, was surprised by the chief’s resignation. The sheriff considers Huckstep’s new position “a great opportunity.”

“David brought a great deal of expertise and discipline to this department here in Thomasville,” Powell said.

The sheriff said he and Huckstep “butted heads” occasionally, because of their passion about their professional responsibilities.

Capt. Troy Rich, commander of the police department criminal investigations division, said the agency has lost its leader. “But he left the department in good shape,” Rich added.

The department has good leadership and personnel, the officer said.

“We’re very stable,” Rich explained.



Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.