North Las Vegas names new assistant police chief

North Las Vegas’ police chief is getting a right hand man.

Capt. Alexander Perez, a 24-year veteran of the force, was promoted to assistant police chief Thursday by North Las Vegas Police Chief Joe Chronister and City Manager Qiong Liu, according to a press release.

The announcement comes as rumors have been swirling that North Las Vegas Police Chief Joe Chronister had plans to leave his post soon. When Mayor John Lee was asked by a local radio show host about the chief’s future, Lee said Chronister had plans to retire.

Asked if he was retiring, Chronister said in a statement: “I’m not. As a member of senior leadership for this police department for over a decade, I have always worked to make sure that the department will be in good hands when I’m ready to retire.”

Chronister became police chief in 2011.

City Manager Qiong Liu said Perez’s promotion is about having a succession plan. If the chief retires or goes out of town, it is critical to have his duties covered, Liu said. Succession plans are being evaluated for other departments as well.

“I am honored and extremely grateful to have the support of our City Manager and the North Las Vegas City Council,” said Captain Perez. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves to support Police Chief Chronister and the great North Las Vegas Police Department.”

Perez makes $148,900 now and will get a 5 percent raise with the promotion, said city spokesman Mitch Fox.

Contact Bethany Barnes at bbarnes@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861. Find her on Twitter: @betsbarnes.