(Altavista, Va.) Altavista’s new chief of police is a veteran officer from Danville.

Thomas “Tommy” Merricks, a captain with the Danville Police Department, will step into his new position Sept. 3

Town Manager Waverly Coggsdale announced Tuesday that Merricks will succeed Police Chief Mike Milnor, who is retiring after 40 years in law enforcement in Campbell County, the last two as police chief in Altavista.

Merricks rose through the ranks at the Danville Police Department and is currently a captain. He has served as a SWAT commander, detective, lieutenant, and most recently as the captain in charge of the street crimes division. He has worked as a Danville police officer for 28 years.

Merricks received his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Averett University.

He will oversee a staff of 13 in Altavista, including 12 law enforcement officers.