The Rector City Council was notified in a special meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 19, that police chief Tom Baker has submitted a letter indicating he is retiring from the department. Baker cited health issues as his reason for making the decision. The retirement was effective Friday, Aug. 15.

Baker was placed on paid administrative leave earlier in the month relating to a personnel matter.

Baker has served as police chief since 1995. He started with the Rector department in 1974.

Glenn Leach is serving as acting police chief. Procedures currently are underway to take the steps to retain a new police chief for the city.

In the only other item of business at the special meeting, the council discussed details on securing the Rector Sportswear facility for use as an industrial training facility through an agreement with Black River Technical College and the Greene County Industrial Training Center. The name of the new facility will be the Northeast Arkansas Training Center.

The plan for the city is to lease the building with the option to purchase. Mayor Ron Kemp said he is confident that grants can be obtained to help in the purchase of the building.