Aledo gets new police chief

J. Michael Sponsler was named Aledo's new police chief, effective May 22, 2012, after two personnel changes were unanimously approved at Monday's May 21 Aledo City Council meeting. Prior to this, Terry Dove has served a dual role as both Aledo Chief of Police and Aledo City Administrator and Sponsler was the Aledo Assistant Chief of Police.

Dove will continue as the city administrator, with no salary change ($65,000 annually). He has served the dual role since May 2011. Sponsler's salary was raised to $58,900 for the next six months, with a raise adjusted to $62,000 after that.

Alderman Chris Hagloch noted that the positions are only guaranteed until the expiration of Mayor Bill Breeden's term, which ends in May 2013.

Dove told the council that he requested the change and recommended they rehire Sponsler as the chief. "Mike's done a fine job," he said, noting that Sponsler is dedicated to serving his hometown. Sponsler served as the chief of police from January 2006 to April 2010.