The Krugerville City Council reached an agreement with Chief James Edland on Tuesday, with both sides accepting a separation agreement.
Edland will remain contractually connected to the city as the special police adviser so he can help the interim police chief in the transition period for the Krugerville Police Department.
“I make a motion that as the most experienced and qualified full-duty officer that we have on staff that Stoney Ward be appointed interim chief,” council member Rodney Cagle said.
Edland, who became the Krugerville chief in 2012, shepherded the city through the formation and dissolution of the Northeast Police Department, which started in 2013 and was disbanded in 2021, as well as the reformation of the Krugerville Police Department.
“James has been Krugerville for, I believe, [13] years, and he’s been a fantastic chief,” Mayor Pro Tem Kristen Kromer said. “Wonderful. We love James.”
Stoney, who was accompanied at the Tuesday meeting by his wife, Candace Ward, was sworn in by City Secretary Sandy Frantz as the interim chief.
“I started my career here in Krugerville and have the opportunity to bring back the knowledge that I’ve gained over the years working inside of other departments home; it means the world to me,” Stoney said. “Krugerville feels like home to me. It’s not just a job.”
Stoney began his law enforcement career in Krugerville in 2007.
He has also served in Sanger and Little Elm during his 18-year career, returning to Krugerville in January.
“The biggest thing that I’m hoping to do for the department is just to help it grow, to help it be solid in everything we do and be there for our community,” Stoney said. “Take care of their needs and be there all the way across the board.”
Stoney added that he both hopes this could become a permanent position for him and was confident he and Edland would be able to work together during the transition process.
“I think it’s a good relationship,” Stoney said. “There will be times when I’m definitely going to have to lean on him for some guidance with stuff that’s going on in the PD and stuff that we need within the PD. I think it will be a good working relationship.” Edland was not available
for comment following the meeting.
