Rocky Mount Town Police Chief Erik Mollin has decided to step down as head of the department, the town announced today.

He will become a captain in the department - the second-highest rank - but will remain police chief until the town finds a replacement.

"It has been a pleasure to serve the citizens and council of Rocky Mount as their police chief," Mollin said in a news release. "I look forward to the opportunity to work more closely with officers in their day-to-day duties and to work on projects to which a police chief cannot give full attention."

No other details about Mollin's decision was included in the release.

"Chief Mollin's demeanor, integrity and leadership have helped our community's crime prevention efforts over the past three years and I am pleased that he will remain a strong leader within the police department," said Town Manager James Ervin in the release.

In his new position, Mollin will work with the patrol division, handle training, grant applications and crime prevention projects.

Mollin was promoted to the police chief in 2007 but has been with the department for 13 years.