Springfield police chief turns down new job, gets raise

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The police chief in Springfield said Friday he's turning down a new job in Tennessee and will stay in the Illinois capital.

'œSpringfield has been our home for 26 years and this community has blessed us,'ť Kenny Winslow said. 'œMany factors played heavily into this decision, including our love for this community and our personal obligations to my extended family.'ť

Officials in Franklin, Tennessee, had announced Winslow as a new deputy chief with a Jan. 19 starting date, The State Journal-Register reported.

Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder said he had encouraged Winslow to stay and offered a 5% raise.

'œWhile personally and professionally the move to Tennessee was a great opportunity, ultimately I have to put my family first,'ť Winslow said.