Williamsburg police chief resigns

WILLIAMSBURG — Police Chief Justin Parsons read his letter of resignation to the Williamsburg City Council during Monday night’s council meeting.

Parsons said he appreciated his time with the Williamsburg Police Department, but he’s taken a position with the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office.

Parsons’ last day as Williamsburg Police Chief will be April 30.

Parsons served as a Williamsburg police officer early in his career before moving to the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years. He returned to the Williamsburg Police Department in 2018 when he accepted the position of assistant chief under police chief Ray Garringer.

He succeeded Robert Knoop, who retired.

The Williamsburg City Council also approved the hiring of reserve officer Blake Heller during Monday’s meeting. With Heller and the other officers on staff, the police department will be able to cover duties while the city looks for a new police chief, Parsons said.

The new hire was a full-time deputy at one time, said Parsons. “He’s a good, seasoned officer.”

Heller may work up to 20 hours a week as the police department works through this transition, Parsons said.