VALDOSTA — An interim Valdosta Police Department chief is scheduled to be announced at a press conference Friday.

The City of Valdosta will host a press conference at 2 p.m. at the Valdosta Police Department on North Toombs Street. The interim chief will replace Chief Brian Childress who will be retiring effective Sept. 1.

Childress served as a law-enforcement officer for more than 30 years, with the last 18 years in Valdosta and the last five as the VPD chief of police. 

Childress joined VPD as a lieutenant in 2001, was promoted to captain in 2004 and named commander in 2007.

He was appointed chief in 2013.

His goal has been to keep crime rates low and implement community policing programs within the department, according to city officials. During his time as chief, the department has seen lower crime rates and higher crime clearance rates than compared to the national average, the release stated.

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256