FLORENCE — Nearly two months after Chief Ron Tyler retired, the Florence Police Department has a new boss with Mayor Andrew Betterton reaching into the current ranks to find a successor.

For now, at least, as the mayor appointed Deputy Police Chief Mike Holt as interim police chief. A board will conduct interviews for a permanent chief.

Holt is 28-year member of the FPD and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2018. He was promoted to rank of Captain in 2014. Holt holds a master’s degree from the University of North Alabama and is an FBI National Academy Session 273 Graduate.

Tyler was the chief for 12 years of a 30-year stint with the department.