Wels Skaggs Named Interim Osceola Police Chief After Predecessor's Resignation

New interim chief pledges to earn public trust and keep citizens safe following video controversy involving former chief.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The appointment of a new interim police chief in Osceola aims to restore public trust after a controversial incident involving the previous chief.Osceola Today

After Osceola Police Chief Bobby Ephlin resigned following a video showing him slapping a man in a wheelchair, Mayor Joe Harris, Jr. has appointed Detective Wels Skaggs as the interim police chief. Skaggs, a lifelong resident of Mississippi County, has over 15 years of law enforcement experience and has served in various roles with the Osceola Police Department since 2011.

Why it matters

The resignation of the previous police chief due to a controversial incident has raised concerns about public trust in the Osceola Police Department. The appointment of Wels Skaggs as interim chief provides an opportunity to rebuild that trust and demonstrate a commitment to community policing and accountability.

The details

Wels Skaggs began his law enforcement career in 2007 with the Keiser Police Department, graduating from the Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2008. He joined the Osceola Police Department in 2011, working in the Patrol Division before transferring to the Criminal Investigation Division in 2014. Skaggs also served on the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force and as an FBI Task Force Officer before becoming the Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division in 2022. As interim chief, Skaggs has pledged to work hard to earn the trust of the Osceola community and keep citizens safe.

  • Wels Skaggs began his law enforcement career with the Keiser Police Department in August 2007.
  • Skaggs graduated from the Law Enforcement Training Academy in November 2008.
  • Skaggs joined the Osceola Police Department Patrol Division in April 2011.
  • Skaggs transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division in January 2014.
  • Skaggs was appointed interim police chief of Osceola on April 14, 2026.

The players

Wels Skaggs

A lifelong resident of Mississippi County, Skaggs has over 15 years of law enforcement experience and has served in various roles with the Osceola Police Department since 2011, most recently as the Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division. He has been appointed as the interim police chief of Osceola.

Bobby Ephlin

The former police chief of Osceola, who resigned from his position after a video surfaced showing him slapping a man in a wheelchair.

Joe Harris, Jr.

The mayor of Osceola, who appointed Wels Skaggs as the interim police chief following the resignation of the previous chief.

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What they’re saying

“I am honored to accept the opportunity that Mayor Joe Harris has given me. Throughout my law enforcement career, I've worked with and learned from many great leaders, and I will use those lessons taught to me in this new role.”

— Wels Skaggs, Interim Police Chief

“To the citizens of Osceola, I want you to know that I will work hard to earn your trust and build a strong relationship with our community. I am committed to doing everything I can to keep our citizens safe.”

— Wels Skaggs, Interim Police Chief

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow former police chief Bobby Ephlin to be released on bail pending further investigation into the incident that led to his resignation.

The takeaway

The appointment of Wels Skaggs as interim police chief in Osceola presents an opportunity to rebuild public trust in the local law enforcement agency and demonstrate a commitment to community-oriented policing and accountability following the controversial resignation of the previous chief.