Signal Mountain Police Chief Boyd Veal is now officially wearing two hats within the town. As of the regularly scheduled town meeting Oct. 14, Veal has donned the role of assistant town manager.
“Of course his main job is still [being the] police chief; it’s just sort of adding a little to his title and responsibilities,” explained Town Manager Chris Dorsey in a follow-up interview after the meeting. “He’s been an invaluable resource since I’ve been here.”
Members of the Town Council unanimously voted to authorize Dorsey to appoint Veal to the position, which includes a pay raise of roughly $7,000 a year, said Dorsey. Veal’s current yearly salary as police chief is $65,104, he added.
“I will be more involved in some of the other aspects of the town’s operation but I’ve done that at various levels for awhile,” said Veal, who has served as interim town manager in the past. “I do enjoy the prospect of diversifying my involvement in the town’s operation and learning new things. If you stop learning and you stop growing, that’s an issue.”
He added that he thinks the experience he gains through the new role will also benefit the Police Department as a whole.