Jackson interim police chief

November 14, 2006

By Brewer Turley The Times Enterprise Tue Nov 14, 2006, 11:49 PM EST

THOMASVILLE — Thomasville Police Capt. Ellis Jackson has been named interim chief following the resignation of Chief David Huckstep on Friday.

Jackson, a 30-year TPD veteran, will assume the position Nov. 27. Huckstep resigned to accept the position of chief deputy of the Alachua County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office.

Jackson said he was happy to be named interim chief.

“We have an innovative department with a lot of good people working here. We’re surrounded by good administration and staff,” he said. “It’s just a great department.”

When it comes to doing the job, Jackson said he’s learned a lot from Huckstep, who served as police chief here for more than five years.

“We worked very closely and were involved with a lot of the things going on in the department,” Jackson said. “It has been a learning experience working with him.”

Jackson said he is prepared for his new position.

“The role of the chief is to manage the resources we have and to make sure we work as a team. We work closely with the captains that are in place, so we can get the job done,” he said.

After joining the Thomasville Police Department in October 1976, Jackson has served the community as a patrol officer and from the desk. In 1982, he was promoted to lieutenant. He made captain in 2000.

He is a 1984 graduate of the FBI Academy, holds an associate degree and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“The city is very fortunate to have his experience and leadership in place to serve the community and the police department during the search process,” Thomasville City Manager Steve Sykes said in a news release. “I look forward to working with him in this new role.”

Sykes said the city will conduct a national search for a permanent chief and expects the hiring to take place within four to six months.

To contact reporter Brewer Turley, call (229) 226-2400, ext. 226.