NEW POLICE CHIEF HAS STATEMENT FOR LOUISA COMMUNITY

First off,  I would like to say that I’m grateful that the Mayor and City Council have afforded me this opportunity to serve as the Chief of Police.  This would not be possible without the support of my wife and children, but most importantly God. I have always had a strong desire to serve the community in public safety and feel that is the main purpose or assignment I was given on this earth. The words “Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” are displayed in the old court room of city hall. This is from Psalm 127, and it emphasizes that even the best efforts of human endeavors, like building a house or guarding a city, will be futile without God’s blessing and protection. It could not be more fitting especially for those of us who are blessed to serve in public safety.

I have been serving with the City of Louisa since I was 12 years old when I started as a Junior firefighter with the Louisa Fire Department in December of 1998. I still serve with the fire department today as a Captain and training officer. I began with the police department in 2008 and since 2013 I have been a Sergeant and Field Training Officer for all new officers hired. I recently obtained a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration and Fire Investigation and also have an associate degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement.  I was born in Louisa at the old Humana Hospital and have lived here all my life, graduating from Lawrence County High School.

Being in a leadership position is not all about me but rather the community I serve and the officers of the Louisa Police Department with whom I’ve been given the assignment to not only lead, but to guide, influence, and inspire. I cannot carry out the mission of the Louisa Police Department without these officers.

To help me in those endeavors at the city council meeting on April 15th, 2025 Detective Hunter James was promoted to Sergeant. Sergeant James has been with the Louisa Police Department for over 11 years and has many responsibilities, such as ABC administrator, evidence officer, lead investigator, administrative and supervisory duties. Each of these responsibilities or tasks that he has been given, he has gone above and beyond to fulfill during his career. He is very detail oriented and makes sure each task is seen through to completion. He has continually demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership and dedication to duty and has been an exceptional asset to the police department. Sergeant James is a lifelong resident of Louisa and graduate of Lawrence County High School.

Also, at the council meeting Patrolman Teddy Newsome was recognized as meeting the requirements and qualifications to now hold the honorary title of Senior Patrolman.  Patrolman Newsom has been with the Louisa Police Department for 6 years and currently also serves as the city’s code enforcement officer. Patrolman Newsome came to use from Floyd County after graduating from Pikeville University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology. He has made Louisa his home from the start of his career.

Senior patrolman has historically not been an official title here but was always understood to be the most senior person who was not a supervisor. I’ve added a new internal honorary title recognition program to recognize officers to serve continuously with us and meet training and educational requirements. These positions do not hold any supervisory authority or require a raise in pay but is a title for them to show their accomplishments and standing within the department.  This is a common practice among law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

Thank you,