Capt. Brian Stallings will take over for Salisbury Police Chief Rory Collins on an interim basis starting in January.

The City of Salisbury announced Stallings’ appointment Tuesday afternoon in a news release. He currently oversees the Salisbury Police Department’s traffic unit, patrol division, grant research and issuance of ABC, parade and street closure permits.

Stallings will take over the police department immediately following Collins’ retirement, announced in mid November.

In a news release, Salisbury City Manager Lane Bailey said he appreciates Stallings’ willingness to serve during the transition from Collins to a permanent chief.

“I am honored to name Capt. Stallings as the interim police chief for the City of Salisbury until a permanent replacement is named in late spring or early summer 2016,” said City Manager Lane Bailey in a news release. “I have had an opportunity to work with Capt. Stallings, and during that time he impressed me with his knowledge of the police department and law enforcement in general.”

Stallings has a degree from Pfeiffer University in criminal justice and sociology. He also has a master’s degree in business administration from Pfeiffer. Stallings also has an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification from the North Carolina Justice Training and Standards Commission, and was previously named the SPD’s “Veteran Officer of the Year.”

Stallings, a native of Richfield, began his law enforcement career in the Salisbury Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer. During his time, Stallings has also served as a victim’s advocate, an investigator, police sergeant overseeing general investigations and as a lieutenant directing the criminal investigations division.

In 2014, he was promoted to his current rank and position.

During the interim period, Stallings will earn the equivalent of $80,000 per year.

Current chief Collins will serve in an advisory capacity as needed through the end of the fiscal year. During this time period, or until the North Carolina Retirement System approves his retirement (whichever comes first), he will continue to draw his regular salary.

A comprehensive search for a new, permanent police chief will begin immediately.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246