Holland: Benton in no hurry to replace Sipes as police chief
By LEWIS DELAVAN News editor
Benton won't be in a hurry to hire a new police chief, and has the luxury of taking its time to ensure that a good chief is selected, says Mayor Rick Holland.

Gary Sipes

Police Capt. Roger Gaither was named by Holland as Benton's interim police chief after former chief Gary Sipes submitted his resignation. "We think we're in capable hands with Roger Gaither," Holland said.

Sipes' last official day was Monday. He had served as chief since Jan. 5, 2004. He is expected to become police chief in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Swaim said he's excited for Sipes to be his city's new police chief. "We had 18 applicants, and we thought Gary Sipes was the best," Swaim said.

In his letter of resignation, Sipes thanked Holland for being able to serve Benton. "There have been a lot of challenges, accomplishments and frustrations within the department shared by us over this time," Sipes wrote. "I made the decision after many discussions with my whole family and much prayer."

Holland said he encouraged Sipes to remain in Benton, but would respect the chief's decision, and wishes him luck.

"In my opinion, he's the best thing that's happened to the police department," Holland said. "He's the best chief we've ever had, and I had hoped he would stay with us."

Sipes said recently the recent controversy involving the demotion of a female officer did not play a role in his resignation. "This job opening came up some time ago, and I applied for it and got it - before anything happened down here."

Holland agreed, saying that any department will have conflicts. "It's just a career choice that he's leaving to take the position in Jacksonville," he said.

Sipes said his family lives in the Jacksonville area, as well as his grandchildren. His three sons graduated there and still live in the area. He's looking forward to being closer to his children and grandchildren.

Sipes said Holland was "a true leader of the department. He's been great to work for. He's supported me all the way through, and he's told me that whatever he could do to help me in Jacksonville, he's willing to do. He's been great."

"We've come a long way during his tenure," Holland said. "He also took over the reins of code enforcement and brought a lot to the table with that. I think he's been a great chief for the city.

"He's brought the department a long way in four years. The morale is high in the department. We had hoped that he would stay here, but we want what's best for him and his family."

Sipes' base pay in Benton was $59,865, plus benefits. Jacksonville's base pay is $67,000.

Sipes, who turns 51 Friday, said he received numerous calls encouraging him to stay and he was "greatly touched" by the support.

Sipes served 24 years at the North Little Rock Police Department, serving in several positions. In May 1994 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and assigned to the administrative patrol division, serving as second in command of what was then a 121-member patrol staff. He also served as narcotics division commander, SWAT team commander and community oriented police commander.

He retired in April 1999 to become North Little Rock's code enforcement director.

Jacksonville Chief Robert L. Baker retired March 28, Swaim said, with 30 years service, including four as chief.

"There's always regret in losing someone that has been with the department for a long time," Swaim said. "But we are excited to have Gary Sipes coming, and we'll help him make that transition as smooth as possible."