PARKER — The Parker City Council appointed Lt. Dennes Hutto as chief of police Tuesday to replace the current retiring chief.
Hutto will take over for Chief Charles Sweatt effective on Sweatt’s last day, Aug. 29. Sweatt gave Hutto his endorsement during the meeting.
Hutto has worked for the department for 17 years, nine in a supervisory role. He also was the grant writer for the department, bringing in 18 grants for more than $100,000.
“The future and continuity of any police department is based on upward mobility within the department,” Sweatt said. “Employees are already vetted by working for you for a while. He’s the best person for the job.”
Mayor Rich Musgrave discussed the possibility of using the Florida Police Chief’s Association to help select candidates from outside the department. Two residents also agreed with this option.
Three residents also supported Hutto during public participation at the beginning of the meeting.
The council voted unanimously to appoint Hutto.
“There’s so much dissension from rank and file officers when you bring in a change from the outside,” Councilman Ken Jones said. “The only reason to go outside is when you don’t have someone qualified.”
What Hutto’s salary will be was not discussed at the meeting. Sweatt said he was receiving a salary of $62,000 a year. When he took over as chief in 2001, he said he was paid about $50,000.
Hutto was not expecting to be appointed at the meeting.
“I’m going to let the shock wear off,” he said. “I’m extremely pleased, overjoyed. It’s a lot of hard work coming to fruition.”
Sweatt said he plans to spend the beginning of his retirement traveling, specifically visiting his son in south
However, he added during the meeting that he will be available in an advisory role for Hutto even after his last day as chief.