Mayor chooses longtime Gulfport law enforcer as city's new police chief - WLOX
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - Gulfport’s mayor has picked a new police chief and he has deep roots in the city he’s sworn to protect. Adam Cooper currently serves as Commander of Operations for the police department, a position he’s held since December 2018. But he’s been serving the city of Gulfport for 27-years.
“After a thorough nationwide search with highly-qualified internal and external candidates, I am proud to announce Commander Adam Cooper as our next Chief of Police,” said Mayor Billy Hewes. “He has committed his professional career to public safety and serving this city. Adam’s dedication, internal knowledge, and integrity make him the perfect fit to lead our police force moving forward.”
The appointment must still be approved by the Gulfport City Council. Members will consider the choice at their Tuesday, April 19 meeting. If ratified, Cooper’s official start date as chief will be May 1, 2022.
“I want to thank Mayor Billy Hewes for this opportunity to lead the agency. I am excited and ready to work with our officers, community partners, and citizens who entrust us to keep Gulfport a safe and great place to live, work, and visit,” said Cooper.
The 1989 Gulfport High School graduate went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. He was originally hired by the Gulfport Police Department in 1995 as a Community Service Technician, then hired as a full time patrol officer in 1996.
Over the years, he’s moved through the ranks and continued his law enforcement education.
Cooper replaces retiring chief Chris Ryle, who recently left office after more than 24 years of public service. Ryle is moving just down the street to the Mississippi Aquarium, where he’ll serve as Vice President of Safety and Security.
Gulfport is one of three coast cities seeing a change in law enforcement leadership this year. Gautier chief Daniel Selover and D’Iberville chief Wayne Payne also turned in their retirement papers.
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source: https://www.wlox.com/2022/04/14/mayor-chooses-longtime-gulfport-law-enforcer-citys-new-police-chief/
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