ATHENS — Athens Police Capt. Anthony Pressnell has been named interim police chief, the City Council voted Monday.

Police Chief Floyd Johnson is retiring Aug. 1 after 41 years with the department.

“I appreciate the leadership Chief Johnson has provided our department, and the experience I have acquired working with him will guide me in this new role,” Pressnell said. “Public safety and working with the public, local businesses and city leaders will remain top priorities for this department and for me.”

Pressnell thanked the City Council and Mayor Ronnie Marks for trusting him with the responsibility of serving as interim chief.

Pressnell has served with the Athens Police Department since Jan. 3, 1989. He has served as patrol captain since May 20, 2012.

“Capt. Pressnell knows our community well and has much experience to bring to the table to help us through this transition,” Marks said.

By state law, the police chief is a City Council appointment. Marks said he will work with City Council through the hiring process and scheduling interviews for internal applicants, and, if the Council chooses, external applicants.