Police Chief Leaving for Teaching Gig

Acworth Police Chief Michael Wilkie is resigning after 9½ years as the city's top cop, the announced late Wednesday.

Wilkie is leaving for a teaching position at his alma mater, Bob Jones University, a Christian university in Greenville, SC, according to a statement released by the .

"Mike has done an outstanding job over the past nine years guiding our police department to become one of the most professional and community-orientated police departments in the state of Georgia," City Manager Brian Bulthuis said. "Mike and his family have become deeply involved in our community, and they will be missed."

Wilkie said his decision to leave Acworth was difficult, and he has enjoyed serving a wonderful community and being a part of an outstanding city government.

"Were it not for the calling of my alma mater, Bob Jones University, to return and join in the work of the Lord at this wonderful Christian university, my family and I would be happy to spend the rest of our time right here," Wilkie said.

Bulthuis said he will recommend at the April 19 meeting of the mayor and the Board of Aldermen that Maj. Wayne Dennard be appointed the new police chief.

Dennard has been with the Acworth police nine years and has held the rank of major more than three years. He holds a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and has completed his studies to obtain a master's in public administration from Columbus State University.

Dennard is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. He and his wife, Melinda, have been married 17 years, and their daughters, Madelyn and Mallory, attend .

"Wayne Dennard is a man of great character and will do an excellent job as the next chief of police. The community will embrace and support him," Wilkie said. "Acworth has much to look forward to under his leadership."