By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

 

The City of Saluda is currently without a permanent police chief.

Chief James Cantrell resigned his position last week after being Saluda’s police chief since 2009.

Saluda City Manager Jon Cannon said Cantrell resigned last week after working for the city approximately seven years. Sgt. Charles Connor is handling the law enforcement operations until the city hires a new chief, Cannon said.

Cannon also said Saluda will begin the process of hiring a new chief soon.

Cantrell replaced former Saluda Police Chief Tonya Lindsey, who resigned her position in 2009.

Cantrell was named interim police chief while Saluda sought a permanent replacement and after hiring a consultant to help with the selection and receiving 55 applications for the position, Saluda named Cantrell as the permanent chief.

Commissioners said at the time they chose Cantrell as acting chief because of the outstanding job he did as interim chief.

Prior to being police chief, Cantrell was a Sergeant with the Saluda Police Department.

Connor was hired by the Saluda Police Department in 2009 as well.

During the 2009 search for a chief of police, city officials said the city needed a chief with experience in community policing and would also like to find someone who would stay with Saluda for a long time. Prior to Cantrell, the two chiefs prior stayed for three years before resigning.