Harris now leading Forsyth Police Department

A longtime police official has been chosen as the interim police chief in Forsyth, following the retirement of Chief Keith Corley earlier this month.

Maj. Eddie Harris, who oversees the department's patrol division, is now leading the small department of about 25 employees, he said Wednesday.

Harris, 51, said he's proud of his 31 years in the department and appreciates City Manager Janice Hall naming him to the interim post.

"It's a great department to work for," he said. "I love it. It's been good to me. My goal is to not make any drastic changes right now."

Hall said Harris has been in the interim job since Dec. 4, the day after Corley's departure.

"He's doing a good job," Hall said of Harris. "Everybody seems to be happy, and the police department is doing what it's supposed to be doing."

Although Harris said he would love to be named the permanent head of the police department, Hall said she plans to speak with the mayor and City Council at a retreat in mid-January about the next steps for the department.

Hall said she wants to get elected leaders' thoughts on whether to hire a permanent chief or hire a public safety director who oversees both the police and fire departments.

Harris said he's fine with whichever direction the city decides to move.

"I would support the decision either way," he said.

For now, he said he plans to do his best to keep the department running well.

"I would encourage any young person wanting to get into law enforcement to come this way," he said. "We're seven officers short and could use the help."

To contact writer Andy M. Drury, call 744-4477 or find him on Twitter@MaconPaperboy.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 4:14 PM with the headline "Harris now leading Forsyth Police Department ."