WINTERVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Winterville’s interim police chief received a promotion today.

The town announced that Lt. Chris Williams will be its new police chief.

Williams has been interim chief for the past ten months following the retirement of Chief Ryan Willhite on July 1st.

The new chief has been with Winterville for ten years, and before that was with the Tarboro Police Department for four years.

Williams has a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University and served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years.

He was selected from a field of 17 applicants.

“Our top priority will always be the welfare of the town and the safety of its citizens,” said Williams. “I believe the Department and the citizens should serve as problem-solving participatory partners.”