Photo Credit: Athens-Clarke County

Deputy Chief Justin Gregory is the second top administrator to leave the Athens-Clarke County police department in less than two weeks.

Gregory, a 23-year veteran of law enforcement, submitted his resignation Friday, effective Oct. 5. He told Flagpole that he's been thinking about changing careers for over a year to spend more time with his family and gain more life experience. He said he's leaving his options open.

"It's time to figure out what to do with the rest of my life," he said.

Former police chief Scott Freeman hired the former Marine away from UGA to be his No. 2 in 2015. Gregory said his decision had nothing to do with Freeman's recent forced resignation, though. Freeman did an excellent job as chief, Gregory said, but he respects Manager Blaine Williams' decision.

"It was nothing but a style clash to me," he said.

As deputy chief, Gregory was responsible for implementing Freeman's community policing policies and training officers on topics like implicit bias and use of force.

Williams appointed ACCPD Capt. Mike Hunsinger interim chief while a nationwide search is conducted.