Tyrone's new

chief of police has a robust 30 years of experience under his gunbelt,

with 13 of those years in Tyrone.

Former Capt.

Johnny Hay was promoted to the position by the Tyrone Town Council at

a special called meeting Wednesday evening. He replaces former chief Roger

Spencer, who died unexpectedly March 24.

Hay started

at the Peachtree City Police Department back in 1973 and eventually became

that department's chief before leaving for Tyrone. He says the biggest

task facing the department is the future growth the town faces.

"This

place is going to grow rapidly and that will require an expansion of public

safety," Hay said, noting that planning for the future growth is

crucial.

Tyrone's police

force consists of 11 full-time officers. None have been called up to serve

in the military, a circumstance that has hurt the manpower of other police

departments, Hay noted.

"The town,

the people and really the officers here are really outstanding,"

Hay said.