TERRELL, Texas — Terrell Police Department Chief Jody Lay announced his retirement earlier this week and will continue to serve the law enforcement field in his retirement teaching college-level criminal justice.
TERRELL, Texas — Terrell Police Department Chief Jody Lay announced his retirement earlier this week and will continue to serve the law enforcement field in his retirement teaching college-level criminal justice.
Lay was first hired as the chief of police for the Terrell Police Department in 2009 and since then has helped reduce crime in Terrell by 45 percent, established the first forensic unit in Kaufman County, bridged partnerships between area law enforcement agencies and the community, and was instrumental in upgrading the departments radio operability and the construction of a new police headquarters.
“I had lofty expectations and high standards for the police chief and I can say without reservation that chief Lay has placed a check by every expectation,” Terrell City Manager Torry Edwards stated.
“Lay established true community policing to bridge city hall and the greater Terrell community to form positive working relationships between police department and citizens,” read a statement from the city.
“I’m proud of the hardworking troops and civilian staff of the Terrell police department, a highly professional organization,” Edwards stated.
Terrell Police Department Captain Kenneth McKeown has been appointed interim chief and will assume those responsibilities beginning May 1.
The City of Terrell will begin an executive search for a police chief in October.
McKeown has served the Terrell Police Department for 24 years from patrol officer to his current classification as captain, has a Bachelor of Science degree fro the University of Maryland, completed the FBI’s law enforcement executive development leadership program, and has worked in every operational division within the department.
“Captain McKeown has 24 years of service in the Terrell police department,” Edwards stated. “He has demonstrated a stellar commitment to the Terrell community. Without hesitation, I’m confident that Ken will guide the Terrell police department well.”
McKeown will be a candidate for chief when the executive search begins later this year.
