Hennessey Police Sgt. Aaron Pitts has been named Interim Police Chief effective Feb. 25 after the resignation of Police Chief Ed Cangiano.

The chief’s last day is Feb. 24, said Town Administrator Tiffany Tillman Saturday during a Hennessey town board planning meeting.

Cangiano recommended Pitts for that position, he said. In addition to his usual duties, Pitts has also been the resource officer for the Hennessey Public Schools for the past two school years. He taught DARE classes before and after that school appointment.

Pitts has been an HPD officer for five years, and was elevated to sergeant a year ago. He is a 2008 HHS honors grad, completed his officer training and was with the Enid Police Department for one year, before returning to his hometown of Hennessey in 2017.

Cangiano said during the meeting he regrets leaving because he “loves Hennessey and the people” but he is leaving because he needs to be closer to family.

Cangiano was appointed chief in September, 2020, after the resignation of longtime Chief Hank Weber.

Before coming to Hennessey about three years ago, Cangiano was the senior master instructor at the TASER Training Academy in Scottsdale, Ariz. 2009-16; patrol lieutenant at the Bethany Police Department, 1997-16, and an Oklahoma County deputy sheriff, 1993-98. Cangiano was in the U.S. Air Force Security Forces,1984-93, and served in the Air Force Reserve as a Staff Master Sgt.,1993-12 when he retired from service.