Pontiac Gets New Top Cop, Bids Farewell to Fire Chief
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: September 20, 2012
PONTIAC--There's a new police chief patrolling the streets.
Eighteen year officer James Woolford has taken over the top spot.
He's replacing former Chief Dale Newsome who retired earlier this summer.
Woolford says he wants to promote community relations between law enforcement and people in Pontiac.
He says the city often draws visitors from out of town, including international tourists.
He wants to improve communication between all groups, so everyone feels safe in the city.
"Making sure that our officers are aware of the different languages they're going to encounter and the different cultures they're encountering now," Woolford explained. "Making sure we can address all the visitors and the residents and help them out as best we can."
Meantime, just as the city finds a police chief, another local leader chooses to leave.
Pontiac Fire Chief John Cummins is resigning.
He plans to pursue other opportunities.
Mayor Bob Russell says now the search is on to find his replacement.
"We're going to go through the same transition we did with the police department," said Russell. "Fortunately we have people that are well trained just as Major Woolford was when he became chief so the transition is very smooth."
The city says it could take several weeks to find a replacement.
It's currently taking applications.
Eighteen year officer James Woolford has taken over the top spot.
He's replacing former Chief Dale Newsome who retired earlier this summer.
Woolford says he wants to promote community relations between law enforcement and people in Pontiac.
He says the city often draws visitors from out of town, including international tourists.
He wants to improve communication between all groups, so everyone feels safe in the city.
"Making sure that our officers are aware of the different languages they're going to encounter and the different cultures they're encountering now," Woolford explained. "Making sure we can address all the visitors and the residents and help them out as best we can."
Meantime, just as the city finds a police chief, another local leader chooses to leave.
Pontiac Fire Chief John Cummins is resigning.
He plans to pursue other opportunities.
Mayor Bob Russell says now the search is on to find his replacement.
"We're going to go through the same transition we did with the police department," said Russell. "Fortunately we have people that are well trained just as Major Woolford was when he became chief so the transition is very smooth."
The city says it could take several weeks to find a replacement.
It's currently taking applications.
