Rob Fincher will step down from his position as Martinsville’s police chief as he continues to serve as interim city manager.
The city announced the change Monday; it will take effect in January.
The Martinsville City Council appointed Fincher to serve as interim city manager in August, following the termination of then-City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides.
Fincher has been serving as city manager while retaining his title as chief. He planned to return as chief after the council hired a permanent city manager, he said when he was appointed.
The role adjustment will allow Maj. Chad Rhoads, who has been filling in as interim chief, to fully assume command of the department and will give him the authority to execute certain federal and state obligations he otherwise couldn’t with Fincher serving his dual role.
“The department deserves clear, uninterrupted leadership,” Fincher said in a press release Monday. “Stepping aside now will ensure continued progress.”
Fincher has worked in the Martinsville Police Department for 31 years and served as chief for the last three years.
“After more than three decades in law enforcement, I feel it is the right time to take on the next chapter of my career,” Fincher said. “The Martinsville Police Department is strong, and its leadership is fully prepared to continue moving forward. I am confident in the team that is in place and grateful for their dedication to our community.”
In May, Ferrell-Benavides took a two-week leave of absence during which Fincher served as interim city manager while retaining his position as police chief.
The press release states that Fincher will continue to serve as the city council continues to look for a permanent city manager.
