MERIDIAN — Officials with the city of Meridian confirmed that Meridian Police Department Assistant Chief James Sharpe has been named the interim chief in the wake of the resignation this morning of Chief James Reed.
Citing personal reasons, Reed announced at an 11:30 a.m. Monday morning press conference at City Hall that he was resigning from his post.
Following the press conference, city officials left without answering reporters' questions about Reed's resignation.
Reed, a former supervisory special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, was sworn into office on Aug. 8, 2012.
He is the city's third police chief in Mayor Cheri Barry's administration.
Reed replaced former Chief Lee Shelbourn, who retired at the end of June 2012.
Barry tapped Shelbourn in 2009 to replace former Police Chief Benny DuBose.
Barry released the following press release about Reed's resignation:
This morning Meridian Police Chief James Reed offered his resignation for personal reasons, effective immediately.
I thank James Reed for his service to Meridian. I thank the Meridian City Council for its unanimous approval of James Reeds appointment, as well.
James Reed is a hometown hero for Meridian. He has served with distinction in law enforcement for more than thirty five years as an investigator with Mississippi Department of Justice, a probation and parole officer with the State of Mississippi, and as a supervisory special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
My decision to accept his resignation came only after deep thought and prayer.
I wish the best for him and his family in the days ahead.
I will appoint an acting chief today.
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