Former Pensacola Police Chief Chip Simmons, currently an assistant county administrator for Escambia County, will soon be joining the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department as Chief Deputy. Simmons spent 29 years with the Police Department before he retired and took the job as assistant county assistant. Sheriff David Morgan said no additional funding from the county will be needed to cover Simmons’ new salary because the department restructured parts of the budget to free up the money needed. Sheriff Morgan said Simmons’ will focus on operations while current Chief Deputy Eric Haines will handle administration. Simmons first day as chief deputy with Escambia County will be on December 1st.