On Thursday, the West Point City Council swore in Donald Britt as the city’s new police chief.

Britt has served in law enforcement for 27 years and was chosen for the position in a unanimous vote by the city council. Britt previously worked in Griffin.

The position has been vacant since Oct 1, 2017, when former chief Tony Bailey left his position at the West Point Police Department to be the police chief of Powder Springs.

Nine months is a long time to go without leadership, and we know it wasn’t easy for the city or it’s police department.

The Troup County Sheriff’s Office even provided two deputies to handle the department’s work load.

Picking a police chief is not an easy process. The city of West Point worked with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police to find the perfect match for the city.

By January, the city had 18 applicants to choose from.

Like other jobs,there are many things to consider when hiring someone such as background experience, the candidate’s philosophy and how long candidates would stay at the position. With the police chief position, it is even more important that the city took its time  considering the perfect candidate since they are in charge of the citizen’s safety.

A lot falls on the police department’s shoulders, and now with it’s new chief, the WPPD can give their full attention to its work.

Mayor Steve Tramell said before swearing in Britt that he hopes he will have a long and peaceful tenure with the city.

We agree.

We look forward to seeing how Britt will lead the department forward in the years to come.