Sylacauga police chief resigns

Sylacauga police Chief Chris Carden has announced his resignation, effective July 24.

Carden on Monday accepted a position with the Alabama attorney general’s office as the law enforcement coordinator for the state, a position he will take over July 27.

Capt. Kelley Johnson will serve as interim chief as the search begins for a permanent replacement.

Carden said he sent in his resume for the position in the AG’s office a few months ago, receiving a conditional offer of employment last Tuesday.

In his new position, Carden will serve as a liaison to law enforcement agencies across the state, serve on the attorney general’s legislative team and organize the annual Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Summit, among other duties.

The career move was facilitated when Louis Zook – the former coordinator and Carden’s predecessor as chief – vacated the position.

Carden said he felt it was time for him to move on after a nearly four-year stint as police chief. He will continue to live in Sylacauga and commute to his Montgomery office.