Fayetteville Police Chief Steve Heaton is about to be the last of a number of city administrative staff to retire during the past year. In the works for months, Heaton’s retirement in March coincides with his being considered for the top cop job in his old department in Valdosta.
Heaton’s retirement in March will complete the list of 18 city administrative and other staff who took early retirement in 2012 as part of the city’s effort to cut costs necessitated by the long-lasting effects of the recession.
As with many other city retirees, Heaton could have the opportunity to return to work one month after retirement, but only on a part-time basis.
Meantime, Heaton applied and is being interviewed for the police chief position in Valdosta. Heaton came from the Valdosta Police Department when he was hired as Fayetteville’s top cop in February 2006.
Heaton last week said he did not know where he was in the running for the Valdosta job.
“I don’t know if I’ll be offered the job,” Heaton said. “If I am it will be a difficult decision. Fayetteville and Valdosta are two different environments. My wife and I love Fayetteville and we love living here.”
