NATCHEZ —  Natchez Police Department Interim Chief Shawn T. King said he plans to soon step down from two positions in which he currently serves for the City of Fayette.

King said Wednesday he has spoken to Fayette Police Chief David Houston about resigning as assistant police chief in order to focus on NPD. King said he just needs to formalize his resignation in an official letter to the city.

King, an NPD lieutenant, was appointed as interim chief following the sudden retirement of former Natchez police chief Daniel White shortly after talks of White’s termination by city officials.

King has worked part-time for the Fayette Police Department for several years, working in Fayette on his days off from the Natchez Police Department.

King also currently serves as Fayette’s deputy court clerk, a position King said he would also likely resign from soon.

“(Being interim chief) is a 24-hours-a-day (job),” King said. “Policing is always 24 hours a day, but as a patrolman, you had a little bit more time on your days off.”

King said it is necessary to step down from his positions in Fayette in order to focus his full attention on NPD.

“Right now, it’s the best decision,” he said. “I have to focus on the community here in Natchez and focus on continuing to keep the department running. And I don’t want to create a conflict of interest with the two jobs.”

Fayette Police Chief David Houston said he doesn’t want King leave the police department, but understands why it is necessary.

“I’m sad to see him go, he’s been a good police officer,” Houston said.