The Town of Alexandria is looking for a new police chief after long-time chief Chris Russell announced that he will be stepping down to take a position with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.

Russell has served as police chief for eight years, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department as a detective.

Russell joined the Alexandria Police Department as a patrolman in 2007 and was later promoted to sergeant before becoming police chief in 2015.

Prior to his tenure in Alexandria, Russell worked for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department starting in 1999 and moved to the Smithville Police Department in 2002 where he worked for five years until joining the Alexandria Police Department. He has logged 24 years in law enforcement.

Russell said he has enjoyed working for the people of Alexandria and he is appreciative to all the mayors and aldermen, past and present, for their support. His last day as chief will be July 21.

The Alexandria Mayor and Aldermen will meet in regular monthly session on Tuesday, July 25 and may officially name Russell’s successor at that time.