Powell promoted to police chief position
Wills Point Municipal Court Judge Rachel Ramsey shares a smile and a handshake with Rob Powell after a swearing in ceremony was conducted Dec. 10. Powell takes the reins from interim chief John Turner, who had held the position since Sept. 2.
The city of Wills Point turned to one of its own last week to fill its vacant chief of police position, promoting Sgt. Rob Powell after conducting a series of interviews in recent weeks.
The position had been in flux since former chief Scott Johnson retired from the department in August 2014.
Shortly after Johnson’s retirement, city officials named John Turner, a veteran of more than four decades in law enforcement, as the interim chief until a full time replacement could be found.
In December 2014, city leaders hired Kirk King as the full-time chief. King held the position for nearly nine months before announcing his resignation effective Aug. 25. Wills Point once again turned to John Turner to the interim position until a permanent replacement could be found.
The city’s search officially came to an end Dec. 10, with Rob Powell being sworn into office during a brief ceremony by Municipal Court Judge Rachel Ramsey.
Powell, a member of the WPPD since January 2009, brings an extensive law enforcement and public safety background to his new position as chief.
After earning a bachelor of arts in criminal justice from the University of Maryland, Powell served as a shift supervisor with University of Maryland Police Department, shift commander at Prince George’s County Fire Department, assistant team commander for special trauma and rescue tactical team for the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Department and lieutenant for fire and rescue operations for Dallas County Fire and Rescue.
During his time with the WPPD, Powell has served as a department sergeant, field training officer and grant coordinator while also serving as the city’s emergency management coordinator.
