HUNTSVILLE, AL – Two weeks after a vote was scheduled to take the interim label off of Huntsville Police Department Chief Kirk Giles and make the position permanent, the Huntsville City Council approved the move at its regular meeting Thursday night.

Giles was given the permanent title with a 3-0 council vote. Council members David Little (District 2), Jennie Robinson (District 3) and Bill Kling (District 4) voted ‘aye,’’ while members John Meredith (President, District 5) and Devyn Keith (District 1) both abstained.

Giles, a 45-year HPD veteran who has been interim chief since February following Mark McMurray’s resignation, was appointed by Mayor Tommy Battle as permanent chief Nov. 15 pending council approval.

At the following board meeting that week, Keith and at least one citizen raised concerns to the board about the lack of a widespread search for a chief and questions about diversity in the department. Meredith also expressed an interest in vetting the position further, and with Robinson absent from the Nov. 17 regular meeting a motion passed to move the vote to Dec. 1 to allow for more discussion.

The matter was settled with Thursday night’s vote. Giles, who has served as a patrol officer, deputy chief and executive officer with HPD, is now Chief.

“I’m humbled,’’ he said after the vote. “I’m blessed. It’s one of those things God had his hand on, and I appreciate the support of the mayor.’’

Giles addressed any concerns about diversity with the HPD.

“We do recruitment events in our military as well as our historically black colleges and universities and local universities,” Giles told WHNT-TV. “Of course, our social media campaign is very important in that respect. So yes, it’s important for us to be represented in (the minority) community. We want to be a reflection of the community that we serve.”

Alabama District 21 State Representative Rex Reynolds, a former Huntsville Police Chief and City Administrator, called Giles a “cop’s cop’’ and was among a handful of supporters who attended the council meeting.

When Battle put forth Giles as permanent chief, he said, “Chief Giles’ vast knowledge in law enforcement and deep roots in our community have well prepared him for this position. His experience and steady leadership will ensure our police department is progressive and resilient and will grow even stronger relationships with our partners and community.”