Granite Shoals names Boshears interim police chief as Wilson leaves

JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER

GRANITE SHOALS — After more than 13 years under Chief J.P. Wilson, the Granite Shoals Police Department is going in a different direction as of May 6, according to City Manager Ken Nickel.

Nickel said he felt there was a need for a change in leadership but wouldn’t comment further regarding Wilson’s departure.

Capt. Gary Boshears, who joined the department in February 2006 and has served as the captain since March 2013, has been named interim chief of police effective May 6. Boshears has been running the department for the past several weeks after Wilson was placed on administrative leave April 18.

As for the long term at the chief position, Nickel said he preferred promoting from within but has no set timeframe on when he will name someone to that position. He added that Boshears is on the radar.

“I have a lot of confidence in him,” Nickel said. “I’ve watched him over the last five years and have been impressed with how he acts and executes his duties.”

Nickel said he values focus and consistency from staff members, and Boshears, when he was the captain, demonstrated those qualities.

Regarding Wilson, Nickel commended his 14 years of service to the city of Granite Shoals and its residents.

“He has done a lot of good things for the city of Granite Shoals over his 14 years,” Nickel said. “I wish him and his wife luck in their next opportunity.”

As for any compensation due Wilson as part of his departure, Nickel said Wilson was an at-will employee and added he wouldn’t comment more on personnel matters.

Boshears, a Marble Falls High School alumnus, has numerous certifications and advanced training, including in investigations.

Since becoming the city manager five years ago, Nickel said he has had the opportunity to watch and work closely with Boshears.

“He has taught several classes for emergency management,” Nickel said. “He is a leader, a professional, in how he handles things.”

Boshears will lead a department of eight full-time officers. That number allows at least two officers at a time to work early morning and night shifts, Nickel said.

With Wilson’s departure, the department is left with seven officers. The city manager said a hire will be made to bring that number back to eight.

“There’s no change in the budget or plan for staffing,” he said. “I like the size it is. I believe strongly eight is such a good number.”

Nickel said he wants to give Boshears time to evaluate the current staff before deciding on whether to promote from within or to hire someone to be the new captain.

“We are looking at the organizational structure at the moment,” he said. “I want to give the chief a chance to access the organization and come back and request changes and structure.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com