West Point Police Chief Tim Brinkley’s service with the department has come to an end, after selectmen unanimously accepted his resignation Tuesday during the first meeting of the new board term.
Brinkley, who was not available for comment Tuesday, submitted a letter of resignation, which Mayor Robbie Robinson read to selectmen during the meeting.
“My tenure as chief, although challenging at times has been enjoyable and rewarding,” Brinkley wrote in his letter. “I will leave with a sense of pride and gratitude in the city of West Point and its citizens for allowing me to serve as chief of police.”
Brinkley no longer serves with the West Point Police Department, but his retirement is effective Jan. 1, 2018, due to accrued leave time.
He started as police chief in September 2011.
The city will advertise for a new hire for two weeks. Robinson said West Point will begin its search for a new chief as quickly as possible.
Selectmen unanimously voted to name Lt. John Langford to serve as interim chief.
Robinson said Brinkley indicated to him that he’d planned to retire, and Tuesday’s resignation did not come as a surprise.
“He’s a good friend,” Robinson said. “Tim has been talking to me for the last year telling me he’s gonna retire. He had 36 years in the (Public Employees Retirement System), which is an extremely long time.”
Robinson said Brinkley plans to travel and spend time with his family.
“I do know he bought a motorcycle,” he said.
Brinkley, who hails from Tupelo, spent 26 years with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. He also serves as the pastor of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church in West Point.
Ward 4 Alderman Keith McBrayer moved during Tuesday’s meeting to give Brinkley his service weapon and to hold a reception to honor his service with the city. His motion drew unanimous support from fellow selectmen.
“We want to celebrate his commitment and his years of service to the city,” McBrayer told The Dispatch after Tuesday’s meeting. “That’s why we’re going to present him with the firearm and give him a reception to honor his years of service and what he’s given to the city of West Point.”
Ward 2 Selectman William Binder echoed Robinson’s statements, saying Brinkley had informed city leadership of his intention to retire. He said he was pleased with Brinkley’s service for the city.
“It was not a surprise,” Binder said. “He had already informed us that he was going to leave so we could have a smooth transition.”
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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