TELLICO PLAINS-There's a new chief in town in Tellico Plains.

Jeb Brown has been named interim police chief after Tonia Norwood resigned from her position as police chief last Friday afternoon, accepting and starting a job in the detective division of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office on Monday.

Norwood's resignation was not known by the mayor until her last day as police chief.

"She told City Hall officials and other law enforcement officers of her decision and asked them to relay the message to me," said Tellico Plains Mayor Patrick Hawkins.

Norwood did not work a two-week notice, and has not turned in a letter of resignation, said Hawkins.

"I have no official documentation," the mayor told The Advocate & Democrat this week.

After Norwood's departure, Hawkins said the Police Department discovered a few minor transition problems that they were able to get worked out.

Norwood excited to be back at Sheriff's Office

Norwood declined to give reason for her decision to resign as police chief, but is "excited" about her career change.

"I love doing this kind of work," said Norwood. "I have always enjoyed detective work. It was something that I wanted to do."

Norwood said she is grateful for the opportunity.

"I'm just glad that Bill [Bivens] gave me this opportunity," said Norwood. "He and I both started out in Tellico. He's been good to me."

See full story in the Sunday, Nov. 4, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.