Huntington’s police chief has resigned after a little more than a year on the job, Mayor Stephen Williams said in an announcement on Monday, Feb. 6.

Karl Colder, appointed as chief on Nov. 1, 2021, stepped down from his position effective immediately according to a news release from the city of Huntington. 

Colder previously served for 32 years with the US Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration and is Huntington’s first Black police chief. 

“Mr. Colder indicated that he was resigning due to family matters. Out of respect to him and his family, I will have no further comment,” Williams said.

Deputy Chief Phil Watkins will serve as the new chief. His appointment will take place on Feb. 13 before Huntington City Council. Watkins will be the Ohio River community’s third police chief in less than three years.