The Hot Springs city manager named interim Police Chief Jason Stachey as the permanent leader of the Hot Springs Police Department, a spokesman for the city said Friday.
Stachey will begin work as the police chief Saturday with a starting salary of $95,000, according to a news release from the city.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected,” he said in a statement. “I am really looking forward to leading the men and women of the Hot Springs Police Department as we progress toward becoming the best law enforcement agency in the state of Arkansas.”
Stachey has worked at the Hot Springs Police Department for 19 years and has served as interim police chief since December 2015, city spokesman Terry Payne said.
During his time as chief, Stachey said he hopes to reduce crime and drug activity while enhancing the department's reputation, according to the release.
"I pressed Jason on his crime reduction strategy, my top priority, and after further vetting, I arrived at the decision that Jason was the best fit for our police department at this point in time,” City Manager David Frasher said.
Stachey was chosen from a pool of 75 candidates, who were interviewed by the city's executive team and law enforcement leaders from several states, Payne said.