City: Rabon likely to be acting chief

MOULTRIE -- Moultrie police Capt. Tommy Rabon is the likely candidate to lead the Moultrie Police Department until a permanent replacement for Chief Mike Boyd can be found.

Boyd announced his resignation earlier this week in a letter to his officers.

He will serve as police chief until Jan. 16. An acting chief will be appointed until a replacement can be hired.

Sources within the police department speculate that Rabon will be named acting chief. City Manager Bob Hopkins agreed.

"We haven't made a decision, but he's a likely choice," Hopkins said.

Rabon, however, had no comment on the issue.

Hopkins said Boyd's resignation came as a surprise.

"He hadn't been looking for a job," he said. "It came to him."

City Council members said they were told of the resignation earlier this week.

"I was told that he resigned but I wasn't given any details," said Betty Haggins.

Boyd will serve as chief deputy in Gwinnett County, where he previously worked.

"I hate to see him leave, but I wish him well," Hopkins said.

Hopkins said he will meet with Dale Williams, the city's human resources director, next week to begin the hiring process. He estimated that it will take about three months to find a new chief.

Hopkins said he is not worried about the future of the department.

"He's (Boyd) developed a staff that can keep it going," he said. "They can go through the interim process with no difficulty."

Boyd could not be reached for comment.