Following the retirement of former Hutto Police Chief Peter Scheets, Hutto City Council announced at its Oct. 17 meeting the hiring of Rick Stone as interim police chief.

Stone started his career in law enforcement with the Dallas Police Department, where he rose from officer to deputy police chief during his 16-year stint. He has also worked for departments in Wichita, Kansas and Hollywood, Fla., as well as teaching stint at Wichita State University.

"It has been my track record in law enforcement, I have been given assignments and situations where achieving success was difficult to do," Stone said. "I've always reveled in those situations ... and enjoy trying to make things better."

Following his time in Florida, Stone retired to Round Rock approximately six years ago while continuing to do consultant work. He was contacted by a search firm about the interim job, and after looking at Hutto he said felt he was up to "the challenge."

"What they told me about the city of Hutto intrigued me, and after speaking to the city manager, I was even more impressed and decided to come and see if I could give a hand," Stone said. "Hutto has an outstanding reputation among law enforcement with the officers that work here, so it ... looked to me to be an opportunity."

Stone said there have been no discussions on whether he will keep the job and be hired officially as chief, but said he is taking the job one day at a time.