Tomball City Council members appointed an interim police chief Jan. 20 following the resignation of former police Chief Billy Tidwell, which was effective Jan. 17, City Manager Rob Hauck said. Tidwell served as head of the Tomball Police Department since November 2014, Community Impact Newspaper previously reported.

Edward "Skip" Oliver will serve as interim police chief until a permanent police chief is hired, Hauck said. A timeline for when the city might begin considering candidates for the position was not available as of publication.

Oliver retired from the Harris County Sheriff's Office about two years ago, Hauck said during the meeting, and has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience in Harris County.

"I feel that it's important so that we have good operational oversight and leadership of the police department that we bring in an interim police chief while we consider the long-term recruitment and the selection of a permanent police chief," Hauck said. "He has great respect in the community, and I think he'll do a great job of leading our department."