Thursday, April 24, 2008

Moore Named First Female Lawrenceburg Police Chief

   Members of the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to appoint long-time Investigator with the Lawrenceburg Police Department Judy Moore, as the new Chief of Police.

   During the board’s bi-monthly business meeting Thursday morning, City Administrator William McLain told the board, “I’d like to relinquish my responsibility to recommend Chief of Police, to you.”

   Under the city’s charter, the City Administrator is tasked with recommending an individual to serve as police chief. The recommendation must then be approved by the commission. After holding interviews with a number of potential candidates employed through the police department, McLain had recommended at the board’s April 10 meeting that they consider appointing long-time employee Captain Anthony Nugent to the post. The board had conducted an interview with Nugent just before the recommendation was made.

   Instead, the commission opted to table the motion and hold interviews with a number of other potential candidates from within the department. Mayor Keith Durham stated his desire to, “Bring in other candidates for interview.” He said that he felt it would be prudent for the board to “broaden its scope to make sure we are making the right decision for the city.”

   After holding interviews with a total of ten candidates, the commission voted unanimously Thursday to appoint Moore as Chief. Durham opened the floor for nominations, and Commissioner Jerry Moore (no relation) made the nomination. No other nominations were made.

   A twenty-seven-year-plus veteran of the Lawrenceburg Police Department, Moore has served as the domestic violence/elder abuse investigator for some years. She stated Thursday that her goal for the department is to make it, “The best the city has ever had.” She added, “My hope is for peace and harmony throughout the department.”

   Commissioner Ronald Fox commented, “Over the last week we have interviewed ten people. They were all outstanding interviews and I was surprised at the number of people I feel would be capable of handling this job. I have a new respect for the Lawrenceburg Police Department. We’ve got some fine people working in the department.”

   Commissioner Butch Morrow echoed, “I was thoroughly impressed with all the candidates.”

   Commissioner Robin Williams added his hope that the remaining candidates will stay with the city, saying, “The education level of these candidates was just astounding…We’ve got to figure out a way to keep them here.”

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