A.Q. “Andy” Ellington — the deputy chief and captain of the Farmville Police Department — has been named acting police chief.

Ellington will assume his new position Thursday, said Town Manager Gerald Spates.

Current Police Chief Curtis Davis’ last day with the department is Saturday. Davis announced his resignation in June.

“I’m honored the council offered me this position again,” Ellington said. “I look forward to taking the department to the next level.”

Ellington said he intends on applying for the position of chief.

The town will continue its search for a permanent chief, Spates said. “We’re planning on going through the process … We have advertisements out now. We just started the (search) process. The last time it took 60-90 days.”

“I think it’s appropriate to make Andy acting chief,” Spates said. “Andy’s done a good job for us.”

Ellington joined the department in 1989 as a patrol officer. Before that, he worked as a dispatcher for two years.

“So, basically (I’m) on my 29th year with the Town of Farmville. It’s been my home ever since I graduated high school.”

Ellington said that Special Operations Lt. William H. “Bill” Hogan was named acting deputy chief and captain, and Detective Sgt. Christopher W. Moss was named special operations lieutenant.

Ellington said the staff changes were “imperative to move forward.”

Ellington served as acting chief during the search after then Police Chief Doug Mooney left the position.

“Council appointed him as acting chief while the search process … If Andy so chooses, he can apply,” Mayor David Whitus said.

“I just had an unexpected opportunity outside of law enforcement pop up, an employment opportunity,” Davis said in a previous interview. “And, so, it was a difficult decision. I had to think about my family and what was best, so I took that job.”

Davis didn’t elaborate on his next job.

Davis became Farmville’s police chief in March 2015.