JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Jacksonville today named a Virginia native as police chief while saying the current person in that position will continue as the city’s public services director.

Jarad Phelps will begin his new job in early July and be paid $158,000 a year. The 28-year law enforcement veteran is currently deputy police chief for Prince William County, Virginia.

Jacksonville says Mike Yaniero will continue as public safety director, overseeing both the police and fire departments. Yaniero, who had been police chief, was given the public safety director’s title in 2012 and has served as both police chief and public safety director.

“Mr. Phelps has extensive experience not only in law enforcement, but brings a deeper level of knowledge gained through his time at the FBI National Academy and through a wide variety of other training and masters of learning,” said Yaniero. “We have faith that he is the right person to work side by side with our current team of leaders, officers, fire and emergency services personnel, telecommunicators and support staff.”

Phelps has a Master’s in Public Administration from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Political Science from James Madison University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.