Spradlin named Conway interim chief.

Police Department major to take over after Gary leaves for lottery job Oct. 31

CONWAY — Jo dy Spradlin, a major who has worked for the Conway Police Department since 1991, was named the city’s interim police chief Wednesday.

Spradlin, 47, will take over after Chief A.J. Gary leaves Oct. 31 to become security director for the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.

In announcing Spradlin’s selection, Mayor Tab Townsell said, “The [Conway Police Department] staff is loaded with professionalism, training, education and preparation. Major Spradlin is the most senior among a great staff.

“As Chief, Spradlin will provide the able, competent leadership to ensure continuity going forward,” Townsell added in a news release.

Spradlin, who started his law enforcement career in Conway in 1991, is a major in the administrative division of the Police Department’s Office of the Chief. “He has not only worked in every division but has also supervised every division and specialty unit within the department at one time or another during his 18 years as a supervisor,” the release said.

Spradlin will most likely remain interim chief until after the mayoral election in 2016. This way, the incoming mayor can decide whether to appoint Spradlin to the permanent chief’s position or to initiate a search for a new chief, said Townsell, who does not plan to seek re-election.

As chief, Spradlin will make $87,846 annually. He now makes $71,734 a year, police spokesman LaTresha Woodruff said.

There had been some concern that state law might restrict an interim chief’s salary, but Townsell said Wednesday that concern “proved not to be a factor.”

Spradlin said his selection “is the highest honor of my career.”

“I’m a lifelong resident of Conway and I have a vested interest in the safety and well-being of our officers and citizens,” Spradlin said in the news release.

“I look forward to continuing the progressive direction that Chief Gary has taken our agency over the last several years and I’ll strive to continue giving our community a police department that works for and represents them well.”

Spradlin is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas. Among his credentials is completion of the FBI National Academy Session 217.

He and his wife, Neva, have three children.