Deputy Chief Mark Amerman has been promoted to chief of the Henry County Police Department. The announcement was made Jan. 17.

Amerman has been with the department for 24 years and has served as deputy chief since June 2014. County officials interviewed six candidates for the position. The position was left vacant after the retirement of Keith Nichols last summer and the department has been under the direction of Sheriff Keith McBrayer for the past six months, while the police chief search was conducted.

A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 2.