SENECA — Maj. John Covington, who has served as Seneca’s interim police chief since April, was named by Mayor Dan Alexander on Wednesday as the new chief.

Covington succeeds former Chief Stanley Sheriff, who was on medical leave following a shoplifting incident in Toccoa, Ga. Charges against Sheriff were dismissed, and according to his attorney, he was cleared by doctors to return to work.

Sheriff remained listed as an inactive city employee, however, according to Alexander, and the chief’s position was opened to applicants.

“It is unfortunate the job was open the way it was,” Covington said. “It’s not the way I wanted to get the job. I wish it could have been different.”

Covington, 45, has spent his life in law enforcement. His father, Pat Covington, is a former police chief and mayor in Seneca. Covington’s brother, Jeff, is a deputy with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Covington is a Seneca High School graduate, and he has worked with the Walhalla Police Department and spent 20 years with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.

Covington also worked as a private investigator before joining the Seneca Police Department in May 2006.

“It was a clear choice,” Covington said of joining his hometown force.

Covington worked as an investigator and was named major in charge of operations by Sheriff.

“We will continue to improve and go about our jobs as police officers,” Covington said. “I want to be more active in the community and be proactive instead of reactive.”

Covington and his wife, Christie, have three sons, including Zack, who is a student at West-Oak High School. Chris Covington is now employed by BorgWarner, and Adam Covington works with a plumbing firm in Greenville.

Alexander said a committee consisting of city council members E Riley, Ronnie O’Kelley and Anthony Smith reviewed applications for the chief’s position from within the Seneca department.

“The committee was 100 percent for him,” Alexander said of Covington. “They have been very helpful during what has been a trying time.”

Reporter Ray Chandler contributed to this story.