After seven years as Henry County police chief, Keith Nichols is set to retire at the end of the month.

County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews informed the police department of the leadership change on Friday, according to a county memo acquired through an open records request by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On June 26, Sheriff Keith McBrayer will temporarily manage the department for six months, according to the document.

Deputy Chief Mark Amerman will remain in his role during that time to work with the sheriff and “continue to play an intricate part in the day-to-day operations of the Department,” the memo reads.

The county plans to begin the hiring process in October, aiming to have the position filled by the beginning of next year, Hobson-Mathews said in the memo.

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