Former Vicksburg Police Chief Walter Armstrong has been hired as police chief in Natchez.

Armstrong, who was replaced as Vicksburg police chief July 5, starts his new job Aug. 1. He replaces Danny White, who recently retired as Natchez chief.

“They made me an offer and I accepted it,” he said. “I start Aug. 1; they gave me some time to relocate and get things together, and I’m grateful for that. It was a unanimous vote; all six aldermen voted for me.”

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell said the Board of Aldermen authorized him at a meeting Thursday to make an offer to Armstrong.

“They all said that he was the first choice and unanimously agreed to make him an offer. The official vote (to hire) will come July 31. He will be sworn in Aug. 1.”

Grennell said Armstrong stood out because of his vast experience, leadership skills, proven track record with solving crime, and his success with getting the VPD accredited.

Grennell also said Armstrong’s leadership skills and “impressive record of solving crimes” made Armstrong the best candidate to help the Natchez Police Department “move forward.” He said the entire board of aldermen agreed Armstrong was the best of the five candidates interviewed for the job.

A former state trooper, Armstrong retired from Mississippi Highway Patrol at the end of June 2009 with 25 years of patrol and administrative experience. He was hired as Vicksburg police chief in July 2009 replacing Tommy Moffett when the administration of former Mayor Paul Winfield took office. He was rehired in 2013 by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen by a 2-1 vote.

He was not rehired shortly after the new board took office.