By By Robbie Byrd, News Editor
Atmore Police Chief Danny McKinley announced Monday that he will be leaving his position with the Atmore Police Department and taking a new position with the Attorney General's office.
McKinley officially turned in his resignation on Monday, and the City Council held an emergency session to accept his resignation and begin plans for finding his replacement.
The council will meet this week and discuss the appointment of an acting chief until a permanent replacement can be made.
McKinley will serve as the Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Attorney General's office, a position he says he is proud to be offered.
"I'm leaving with mixed emotions," McKinley said. "I've enjoyed my time as police chief, but this is an opportunity I couldn't turn down."
Mayor Howard Shell said he wishes McKinley the best in his new career .
"He's done a good job here," Shell said. "We're proud for him and feel he will do an outstanding job. They have made an excellent choice."
McKinley's last day with the APD will be Feb. 15 and will begin his new job on Feb. 19.
McKinley said that he submitted his application months ago and was asked to interview for the position two weeks ago. On Friday, Attorney General Bill Pryor called McKinley and asked McKinley if he would accept the position.
McKinley will serve as a liason between the Attorney General's office and local and state law enforcement agencies.
McKinley was born in Atmore in June 1959. He graduated from Escambia County High School in 1977 and attended Delta State University after graduation.
In 1985 McKinley began working with the Escambia County Sheriff's office as a Deputy Sheriff and later an investigator.
In 1992 McKinley completed his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. In 1994 McKinley came to APD as Assistant Chief. In October of 1996 he was named Chief. He has served in that capacity for the past 5 years.
He is married to Kathy Folmar McKinley of Huxford and has one daughter, Jessie.