I  agree with Deputy Chief of Police A.Q. “Andy” Ellington when he said recently that the departure of Farmville Police Chief Curtis Davis was bittersweet.

“Bitter only in the fact that I am certainly saddened to lose such a great leader and person from this department,” Ellington said.

I couldn’t agree more. There’s no doubt in my mind that Farmville and this region has benefitted from Davis’ leadership, work ethic and professionalism.

“In working closely with Curtis for the past year and a half, I have absorbed so much. He is a great teacher and a wonderful person to work with,” Ellington said.

Ellington said the departure was sweet “in the fact that I know he is accepting a position that is the opportunity of a lifetime. I am so happy for him and his family. Chief Davis will certainly be missed.”

The news of Davis’ resignation came as he had an unexpected opportunity outside of law enforcement pop up, he said.

“It was a difficult decision. I had to think about my family and what was best, so I took that job,” Davis said.

The residents of Farmville owe Davis a great deal of gratitude and thanks for what he’s done here.

“Chief Davis was a great asset to our police department and accomplished much during his short tenure,” said Farmville Mayor David Whitus.

A large component of Davis’ accomplishments includes increased transparency. During his tenure, the department began using Crime Reports, an online tool where internet users can access maps, locations, times, types of calls and a history of reported offenses after they’re entered into the police department’s databases using the online application.

There’s no doubt that Davis will be missed in both the civilian community and in the department. His leadership and strides made in the department, alongside the good women and men he worked with, will be present with us for years to come.

JORDAN MILES is managing editor of The Farmville Herald. His email address is jordan.miles@farmvilleherald.com.