JASPER, Tenn. - The Jasper Board of Mayor and Aldermen has named Billy Mason the town's new police chief.
Mason had served as interim chief since Tim Graham announced his retirement in June, but at the board's October meeting he was sworn in for the position permanently.
Mayor Paul Evans congratulated Mason, who had been a lieutenant before his interim stint, on his promotion and said he has "big shoes to fill."
"I'm going to do my best," Mason said.
Graham made a surprise appearance at the board meeting after battling serious medical problems for more than a year.
"We appreciate him more than words can express," Evans said of Graham. "I've always said that you're as good as the people around you, and I'm going to tell you, [he's] one of the best I've ever had around me."
Jasper City Attorney Mark Raines (left) swears in new police Chief Billy Mason.For years, it became almost customary for Graham to take a moment at each monthly board meeting to brag publicly on his department and its officers.
"And they deserved it," Graham said. "I appreciate the board and the board's support all these years. It means a lot, and I'll always appreciate it."
Alderman Leon Rash said Graham did an "excellent job" during his many years as police chief.
Mason said he plans to continue many of Graham's approaches as chief.
Jasper's police department has received several large grants in the past few years to help purchase needed training and equipment, including a recent $15,000 Governor's Highway Safety Office grant.
"We've definitely gotten more product as far as being able to do our job than we've had in a pretty good while," Mason said. "Chief [Graham] got it started, and I'm just going to keep doing the same thing."
Graham said Mason "made me proud" and that he will make the town proud with his promotion to chief.
Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.