Rapid City appoints interim police chief

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - The mayor in Rapid City has appointed an interim police chief, with the current leader of the force retiring.

Mayor Sam Kooiker (KWAY’-kur) has selected current Assistant Chief Karl Jegeris to lead the department on an interim basis.

Chief Steve Allender has retired after three decades with the department. Family, friends, fellow officers, firefighters and National Guard soldiers held a procession Thursday to honor him as he headed home.

Jegeris has served as assistant chief since 2012. He has worked at the department for 18 years.

Rapid City is interviewing candidates to fill the police chief position. The timeline of the decision is unclear.