Hillsborough Police Chief Clarence Birkhead, who recently filed to run in the Democratic primary for Orange County sheriff, announced this week that he will step down on April 2.
“As you know, I am a candidate for sheriff of Orange County,†Birkhead stated in his resignation letter. “I feel that I should devote all of my energies to my campaign. Under the circumstances, I feel it is best for the Town of Hillsborough and my campaign to step down.â€
Hillsborough Town Manager Eric Peterson said he hopes to name an interim chief by early next week.
“We are all thankful for the many improvements Chief Birkhead has made over the past five years to improve the quality of policing that’s been provided to Hillsborough’s citizens,†Peterson said.
Replacing a department head typically takes about six months.
Birkhead faces incumbent Lindy Pendergrass in the May 4 primary.