BRYANT, Ark. (KTHV) - Mark Kizer announced that he would not be retained by incoming mayor Allen Scott as police chief in 2019. The announcement via the Bryant Police Department's Facebook page said that the mayor believed Kizer's tenure was positive and that the mayor simply wanted a change.
Kizer gave thanks to Bryant and lauded the city's progress in his eight years as chief. He said that he is confident in the personnel the department has in place.
Mayor-elect Scott release this statement:
"As you are aware, department heads serve at the discretion of the Mayor. Chief Kizer and I did meet and I did inform him that although there had been some positive strides in the department, I would be looking for a new Chief of Police. During our discussions the Chief stated that if it was ok, he would resign or possibly retire before the end of the year. I appreciate his service to the city of Bryant and wish him well in his future endeavors. I will be accepting applications for his position, forming a committee, and the city will hire the best person for the job."
At the end of the letter, Kizer listed the mayor's cell phone and city email for concerned citizens to voice the concerns.