ST. LOUIS–Mayor Tishaura Jones on Tuesday announced the launch of a national search for the city of St. Louis’ next Director of Public Safety following Dr. Dan Isom’s resignation.

Isom, the city’s former police chief, has been in the role in an interim capacity since April 2021. Jones had said previously that she wanted a national search for a permanent director.

Isom’s last day with the city is Feb. 11 and will be succeeded by Charles Coyle, currently a Deputy Chief for the St. Louis Fire Department. Isom is moving to the private sector, with Ameren announcing he’ll start Feb. 13 as Vice President of Corporate Safety, Security and Crisis for Ameren.

Jones credited Isom for bringing “balance to the police force, to the public safety department,” and delivering results for the city. During his time in the role, Isom has had oversight of the process to empty the city workhouse and in process of starting upgrades to the City’s Justice Center after a series of riots over conditions there gained national attention. He also led the search for the first police chief to come from outside the city of St. Louis. Chief Robert Tracy started Jan. 9.

Coyle is a 45-year veteran of the St. Louis Fire Department. Jones told reporters she expects the search for a permanent replacement, which could still feature internal candidates despite its national scope, to last between 3-6 months.