The Town of Prosperity has hired its former police chief to handle the administrative side of the department while still searching for a new chief.

Former Police Chief Benji Sease, who is the department’s acting chief, was hired Tuesday as the department’s police administrator/coordinator.

In his new duties, Sease will answer directly to the mayor and council. Council took the final vote on creating the position Tuesday as well.

Sease will be in charge of restructuring the police department, creating and administering the department’s budget, and providing a professional and a visible police force for the town, according to Mayor Derek Underwood.

Sease was hurt while arresting a suspect several years ago, and due to the back injury is restricted in his patrol abilities, but will be doing investigative work for the town.

The police chief position became open in November when then Police Chief Craig Nelson resigned amidst allegations that funds were missing from the police department’s evidence locker. The investigation into the missing funds is ongoing.

The town currently has two patrol officers on staff, but one is out on a family medical leave.

In addition to the opening for the chief’s position, there is also an opening for a third officer.