(KTTS News) — The city of Branson has a new police chief.

Eric Schmitt was named the new chief Thursday.

Schmitt has been serving as assistant police chief since July 2017 after serving for 25 years as a police officer in the Denver area.

He takes over after former Branson Police Chief Jeff Matthews and Sergeant Pat Gray resigned Wednesday.

They’d been on administrative leave since October as part of an internal investigation.

The city has not released any information about the investigation.

Press Release

City Administrator Cathy Stepp named Eric Schmitt as the new City of Branson Police Chief effective immediately at a news conference on Thursday, December 15, at Branson City Hall.

Schmitt has been serving as the Assistant Chief in the Branson Police Department since July 2017 after serving for 25 years as a law enforcement officer in the metro Denver area.

“I have seen the outstanding work Eric does every day to lead our Police Department by example. He is a humble servant who is dedicated to our community. I trust his leadership and experience to reinvigorate the Branson Police Department and to support the brave men and women who serve and protect our community and deserve our utmost respect” said Mayor Larry Milton.

Schmitt has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado and Masters of Science Degree from Colorado State University. He has attended several advanced leadership programs including the 282nd Session of the FBI National Academy (FBINA) in Quantico, Virginia. At the FBINA, he earned a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia.

“I’m humbled and excited for this opportunity to lead the Branson Police Department in our vision to be a source of pride for our community and accomplish our agency’s mission of protecting and serving Branson through a commitment to excellence, compassion and impartiality,” said Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt.

Schmitt’s first priority will be to improve the Department’s staffing so that the employees have the resources and sufficient time to work with the community in making meaningful impacts on the issues that are important to and affect the residents of Branson. He also hopes to continue his work with area committees and community stakeholders to reduce the effects of poverty, drug and alcohol abuse as well as to improve access to mental health.

Schmitt has been married to his wife, Marla, for nearly 29 years and they have four outstanding boys.