CAIRO — Grady County Schools will have a new police chief this fall following the board of education’s vote Tuesday.

Allen Powell was selected Tuesday night to serve as the school system’s next chief of police. The Grady County native expressed excitement after the school board meeting in beginning his new position.

“I plan on making a difference in the school system and being there for the children,” Powell said. “With what we’ve got going on in the world today, I just want to be a positive role model for each and everybody and pray that we pull together in unity.”

Powell served as a school resource officer at Washington Middle School last year. He has also served 13 years as a police officer with the City of Quitman, and he is a retired assistant fire chief with the City of Thomasville. Superintendent Kermit Gilliard cited Powell’s leadership skills in his recommendation to the school board that he be approved for the position.

“His experience and knowledge made him the clear choice to serve as our next chief,” Gilliard said.

Powell will be stepping in to replace former school system police chief Reddell Walton, who departed last month for a new position as the chief of police for the City of Bainbridge.