The Town of McKenzie is officially looking for a new police officer.

With the vacancy left after the recent dismissal of Police Chief Clint Reeves, the town council voted Monday night to “immediately” begin the search for a temporary police officer to serve the south Butler County community’s needs. Deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office have been patrolling the area with state troopers working any accidents inside the city limits since Reeves’ departure.

Council member Lester Odom stressed McKenzie would look first for a temporary officer to serve the community until a formal job posting, approved by attorney Richard Hartley, can be made and applications taken for the permanent position of police chief.

“We are giving Mayor Shufford the discretion to appoint someone to that position temporarily until a permanent choice for chief is made,” Odom said. “Obviously, we need to get someone qualified in place as soon as possible.”

Shufford said several people had already expressed interest in the position.

The mayor and council members went into executive session following their regular monthly meeting. They did not discuss the reasons for Reeves’ sudden dismissal during the regular meeting.

The Greenville Advocate will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.