Sparta police chief resigns nine days after announcing Wrens role

The Sparta City Council appointed Capt. Larry Chapman to serve as interim chief until a permanent replacement is selected.

SPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Tommie Walker Jr. has resigned as Sparta’s police chief, nine days after announcing he planned to lead police departments in both Sparta and Wrens.

The Sparta Police Department announced Walker’s resignation Wednesday in a Facebook post. The department says the Sparta City Council appointed Capt. Larry Chapman to serve as interim police chief until a permanent chief is selected.

In a July 6 statement, Walker said he had accepted and assumed the police chief position in Wrens but planned to continue leading the Sparta Police Department.

“I will continue to serve Sparta as its Chief for the foreseeable future, simultaneously serving the city of Wrens,” Walker wrote.

Walker said the Wrens mayor and city administrator had allowed him to continue serving Sparta while taking on the new position.

According to his bio on Sparta’s website, Walker is a Wrens native who joined the Sparta Police Department as an administrative officer in October 2022 and later became chief. He previously served as Wadley’s police chief and spent 15 years with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.