An Interim Police Chief has been appointed at South Daytona’s City Council meeting

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Gerald Monahan Jr. (former Port Orange public safety director) was appointed the South Daytona’s interim police chief. This decision came in lieu of the retirement of Ron Wright which was announced earlier this month.

Monahan, who had a 44-year career in law enforcement, retired from the city of Port Orange in December 2015. He originally served as police chief and eventually transitioned to lead Port Orange’s police and fire departments.

Monahan’s first day as the South Daytona interim police chief was Wednesday, just 8 days after Ron Wright’s April 3rd departure. Wright is currently under criminal investigation and has not publicly commented on the matter. According to Wright’s letter to his employees, his reason for retirement is “personal matters.”

So far, the State Attorney’s Office has not released any details of the investigation.

Joe Yarbrough, South Daytona City Manager, said the city will be searching nationwide for candidates who are qualified for the position.