Outgoing police chief says farewell as officials take office July 1

Published 2:21 pm Sunday, June 30, 2024

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FERRIDAY, La. — Outgoing Chief of Police Sam King wrote a farewell letter to Ferriday constituents as new officials prepare to take their oath of office on July 1.

The Ferriday Chief of Police is appointed by the mayor and Board of Alderman.

Mayor-elect Alvin Garrison has named C.J. Hall as the new police chief and Danny Cupit as the fire chief. All will take their oath on Monday at 11 a.m. at Ferriday Hall.

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“Today closes our chapter of service as Chief of Police for the Town of Ferriday,” King wrote in a letter shared on social media on Sunday. “It has been an incredible ride the last two years.

“As we look back, we have had many great times and some not-so-great moments but we take each of them with grace. It was our endeavor to keep the citizens of Ferriday as safe as possible, which was and is a tall task.

“Over the last two years, we managed to take 90 plus guns off the streets of Ferriday, …  a high percentage (of which) came from juveniles. We managed to make 400 plus (arrests) ranging from simple thefts to aggravated, violent crimes. We’ve taken narcotics off the streets and recovered stolen vehicles and guns.

“Thanks Mayor Rydell Turner for recommending me as chief of police. Our journey got a little rough but we kept it professional, (and) smoothed out the bumps along the way.

“Thanks Alderwoman Gloria Lloyd, Alderman Andre Keys, Alderwoman Gail Pryor, Alderman Elijah Banks and Alderwoman Brandi Bacon for your support (of me) as chief.

“Thanks to the citizens of Ferriday, we will forever be indebted to you.

“We pray for Ferriday’s continued success and look to see the heights she goes from here. God Bless each of you and God Bless Ferriday.”

Vidalia officials will also be sworn in starting at noon on Monday at Vidalia City Hall.