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Tim Parks wants the Mocksville Police Department to be the best it can be.

He started his job as interim police chief on Monday. He is the former chief of the Yadkinville Police Department.

“I don’t have any vendettas,” Parks said. “I just want to come down here and help.”

That lack of a vendetta is one of the main reasons Interim Town Manager Lynn Trivette picked Parks for the job. He will work with current chief, Pat Reagan, until Reagan’s retirement on Dec. 1.

Then he will work with the new town manager on hiring a permanent chief. Trivette said the town board hopes to pick the new manager early in 2021. Parks said he has no intention of filing for the permanent police chief job. He, along with former Mocksville chief, Jack Keller, have agreed to be on a committee to help the new manager pick the new chief.

“I thought it best to go outside (current police department employees) for the interim job for a clear opinion,” Trivette said.

The department has been the object of contention among town board members for a couple of years.

“Chief Parks brings a wealth of experience having served in the Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office for eight years, Yadkinville Police Department in patrol for seven years, and as police chief in Yadkinville for 20 years. Chief Parks retired from the Yadkinville Police Department two years ago and has felt led to serve as the interim police chief here in Mocksville,” Trivette said.

“Along with his lengthy police career, Chief Parks brings a positive attitude, progressive leadership style, and a community approach with him to Mocksville. The staff can expect a smooth transition with little disruption to the services we have already established,” Reagan said.

“I will work hard with the community and our leaders to keep Mocksville moving in a positive direction,” Parks said. “I’m a people person and that goes a long way. If the community knows you and can talk to you, that’s an asset to the police department.”

Parks and wife Angela have one adult son, who is also in law enforcement.