Randy Harvey has been named the new Lowell Police Chief, but with the celebration came the memories of Chief Joe Landers.
"Every police officer when they start their career out, their long term goal is to become a police chief, that's always been mine," said Harvey.
Mayor Eldon Long said the decision to appoint Harvey was easy.
"He has the experience, he has the training, he has the skill sets, he has everything that one would look for in a police chief."
Following the appointment at Tuesday night's city council meeting, the 14-year veteran received a standing ovation. Amidst the applause, memories of Chief Joe Landers made it a bittersweet moment.
"They're going to be big shoes to fill there's no question about that, but I believe that he can fill them," said Long.
A motorcycle accident claimed the life of Landers in May. According to police, he was hit by a drunk-driver while on vacation in Florida and the driver involved is facing DUI manslaughter charges.
"Chief Landers is like a brother to me," said Harvey.
After serving as interim police chief during that time, Harvey plans to protect and serve just like Landers.
"He built a great department and I'm just going to pick up where he left off and continue on."
As the official title sinks in, Mayor Long has complete faith in his city's newest police chief, Randy Harvey.
"Both excitement and nervousness, because it's all on you now... I've been here for close to 15 years and it's a great community and I look forward to serving them," said Harvey.
"I know that Randy's the best fit for Lowell," said Long.
Harvey served as a Lowell Police Captain for 13 years, and said he worked directly with Landers for almost 15 years.
Police Chief Harvey said he was taught by the very best, so he plans to make the transition a little easier by just following in Landers' footsteps.
"Every police officer when they start their career out, their long term goal is to become a police chief, that's always been mine," said Harvey.
Mayor Eldon Long said the decision to appoint Harvey was easy.
"He has the experience, he has the training, he has the skill sets, he has everything that one would look for in a police chief."
Following the appointment at Tuesday night's city council meeting, the 14-year veteran received a standing ovation. Amidst the applause, memories of Chief Joe Landers made it a bittersweet moment.
"They're going to be big shoes to fill there's no question about that, but I believe that he can fill them," said Long.
A motorcycle accident claimed the life of Landers in May. According to police, he was hit by a drunk-driver while on vacation in Florida and the driver involved is facing DUI manslaughter charges.
"Chief Landers is like a brother to me," said Harvey.
After serving as interim police chief during that time, Harvey plans to protect and serve just like Landers.
"He built a great department and I'm just going to pick up where he left off and continue on."
As the official title sinks in, Mayor Long has complete faith in his city's newest police chief, Randy Harvey.
"Both excitement and nervousness, because it's all on you now... I've been here for close to 15 years and it's a great community and I look forward to serving them," said Harvey.
"I know that Randy's the best fit for Lowell," said Long.
Harvey served as a Lowell Police Captain for 13 years, and said he worked directly with Landers for almost 15 years.
Police Chief Harvey said he was taught by the very best, so he plans to make the transition a little easier by just following in Landers' footsteps.
