Changes in Hutto administration continued Friday when the city announced Police Chief Earl Morrison resigned, effective immediately. A release from the city of Hutto said Morrison, with approximately two years of service to the city, decided to pursue other opportunities.

“I want to thank Chief Morrison for his two years of service to the city of Hutto, City Manager Odis Jones said. “We wish him the very best in his future endeavors. I have appointed Lt. [Nathan] Spraggins as acting chief until the new chief of police is available."

A new chief and assistant were named Friday morning by Jones.

Byron Frankland, who has served the city of Galveston police for 24 years, beginning in 1994, will become the new chief. Frankland has been the assistant chief in Galveston for two years. He also commanded the department’s marine division, special response, mounted patrol and narcotics division.

Paul Hall, a law enforcement officer since 1986, will be assistant chief. He has been the lieutenant in charge of the Fugitive Apprehension Unit for the Texas Office of the Attorney General. He has also supervised the Texas Attorney General’s Public Integrity Unit, Money Laundering Unit, Election Violations Section, Human Trafficking Unit and the Joint Terrorism Task Force Investigators.

“With their extensive background and experience, we will be able to grow our police department to meet the city of Hutto’s needs for today, tomorrow and the future.”

A city spokesperson said a starting date will be announced next week. The chief's resignation is one of several challenges Hutto officials faced in the past week.