Heard named Cordele’s interim police chief

Resigning Patrol Commander to take helm temporarily while serving two week notice

CORDELE, GA – There’s a changing of the guard for leading the Cordele Police Department, with an exiting Patrol Commander taking over the chief’s post on a temporary basis, while he serves a two week notice for his impending resignation.

Cordele Police Captain Jalon Heard followed Chief Mike Hathaway’s lead in tendering his resignation from the department, shortly after a Wednesday evening meeting with select commissioners.

The meeting was held in hope of quelling ongoing disagreements between Hathaway and the newly elected commission chair.

Additional officers have quit and walked out since Hathaway’s departure, leaving the current workforce at approximately half its usual complement, per Heard’s estimate.

Captain Heard says he expects even more officers to quit over the next few days, putting his staffing shortage at a critical “red line”.

Heard says he’s aware of current officers who are interviewing for similar positions in neighboring jurisdictions.

The interim chief says recruiting new officers has been tough, but under the current cloud of controversy surrounding the department and commission, Heard says attracting suitable replacement officers will be far more difficult.

Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock is assuring the community his deputies will fill any void the Cordele Police Department may have in answering service calls in the city.

Captain Heard says he has no idea why he was selected to the temporary post, in favor of two other Captains with significant experience and seniority within the department.

Heard was hired by former Chief Mike Hathaway last November.