WASILLA, Alaska - Mayor Verne Rupright says Larry Dickerson will start as Wasilla's interim police chief on Nov. 4.

The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reports that Dickerson was hired through a company that provides interim employees on a contract basis. Wasilla will pay the company for Dickerson's services. The company will take care of benefits.

Rupright says that over six months, the money paid for Dickerson will be $3,000 more than what the city has been paying Craig Robinson.

Robinson moved up to acting police chief after the departure of chief Angella Long, one of the first top-level administrators Rupright let go after taking office.

Rupright says Robinson did a good job, but there was a conflict of interest because Robinson's wife also works for the department.