Powell announces retirement effective Sept. 30
Wills Point chief of police Rob Powell, shown addressing attendees of the city’s National Night Out event held Aug. 2, has announced his retirement from public safety effective Sept. 30. Powell will stay on an assist the department’s transition to a new chief, and will continue to serve as a reserve officer for the city in the future.
After more than three decades in public safety, including the past six years with the Wills Point Police Department, Rob Powell has announced his retirement as the city's chief of police effective September 30.
With just under two months to go until his retirement date, Powell added that his big focus in the coming weeks will be helping ease the transition to his successor, Lonnie Carroll.
In a letter presented to city administrator Pam Pearson and members of the Wills Point City Council dated Aug. 4, Powell explained, "After 33 years of continuous service as a police officer, firefighter, paramedic and dispatcher, I have decided to accept an opportunity to help improve police officer safety and efficiency on a nationwide level. This decision does not come lightly as I have truly enjoyed working for the city of Wills Point and have formed numerous friendships over the past many years I have served here."
Powell continued, "I want to thank you for all the support, guidance, and opportunities that you and the city of Wills Point have afforded me. I will remain a faithful supporter of the WPPD and city not only in the upcoming months during the chief position transition, but for years to come. I am confident that the WPPD has a talented and dedicated team of officers that will continue to serve and protect honorably in my absence."
During his time as chief, Powell put an increased focus on officer involvement and community relations, including expanding the department's use of social media to distribute information.
City administrator Pam Pearson weighed in on Powell's decision, stating, "I have had the privilege of working with Officer Powell while serving as both EDC administrator and city administrator. Through his years as an officer and while serving as chief, he has constantly looked for ways to better the city. Many grants were received because of his ideas and efforts. On behalf of the city, I would like to wish him success as he begins this new chapter in his life."
In an interview shortly after the announcement, Powell explained his decision further stating, "I knew that working for the WPPD would probably be my last job working in the public sector. I'm thankful for the opportunity that was presented to me by the city, and look forward to the next chapter and being able to spend more time with my family."
Powell’s retirement announcement and Carroll’s appointment to take the reins were each late additions to the city’s Aug. 9 meeting agenda.
