DEMOPOLIS &8212; Sgt. Tim Williams was named interim police chief today following a brief executive session by the full city council.

Williams is a patrol officer and evidence technician for the Demopolis Police. Councilman Woody Collins made the motion to accept Williams.

Councilman Jack Cooley seconded the motion, and the measure passed 5-1, with Thomas Moore as the lone dissenting vote. Moore had nominated Tommy Johnson for the position.

Councilman Melvin Yelverton abstained from voting.

At the suggestion of Mayor Cecil P. Williamson, Williams was promoted immediately, so that he and departing Public Safety Director Jeff Manuel will have a smooth transition when Manuel leaves office on June 20.

Full details &8212; including a profile on Williams &8212; will be available in the Thursday print edition of The Times.