Huntington City Council approves appointment of new police chief

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Huntington City Council on Monday night approved a motion from Mayor Steve Williams to make Deputy Chief Phil Watkins the city’s new Police Chief.

The council gave their approval after the Mayor Steve Williams’ State of the City address Monday night.

Mayor Williams appointed Watkins to the position of Interim Huntington Police Department Chief after former Chief Karl Colder’s resignation last week.

HPD Chief Karl Colder announces resignation

“It’s really surreal,” Watkins said. “I didn’t come on the police department ever dreaming of being a chief, but as my career has evolved I know I’ve got some big shoes to fill and I know the responsibility that comes with that, and I couldn’t be more thankful to Mayor Williams for giving me the opportunity to do it.”

There is no information as to when Watkins will be officially sworn into the position.

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