Westover Police Chief Joe Adams is set to retire after five years of service, with his last day scheduled for November 4, 2023. Adams made the announcement during a meeting of the Westover City Council on October 22, marking exactly five years since he was appointed to the role in 2018.
During his tenure, Adams has overseen significant changes within the police department. Reflecting on his experiences, he expressed gratitude for the support he received from both the city council and the mayor. “I appreciate the support the city council and the mayor have given the police department,” Adams said. “It’s been a learning experience. I’ve had some interesting times here.”
Adams’s leadership has brought about a notable transformation within the department, a sentiment echoed by Tim Stranko, the city attorney. Stranko stated, “He came in here and rebuilt our police department in a time when it was severely troubled, and he did it by setting and enforcing standards and treating people with respect.” He acknowledged the progress made under Adams’s guidance, noting that while the department is not perfect, it has come a long way.
Duane Tatar, a councilor, also praised Adams’s contributions. “The honor, the integrity and pride of the department and our officers is just so much better than it was, and that’s because of your and Deputy Chief Scott Carl’s leadership,” Tatar remarked.
Before joining the Westover Police Department, Adams spent 25 years with the West Virginia State Police and later worked with the West Virginia Supreme Court. His tenure as chief has not been without its challenges, and he acknowledged the difficulties faced during his time in office. “We had some challenging, interesting times. I’m grateful for the experience and what I’ve been able to learn, but it was rough what we went through,” he said.
Looking ahead, Adams expressed optimism about the department’s future, highlighting recent improvements in officer policies, equipment, and benefits. “We’re close to getting the benefits package up to where it needs to be. Plus, this is a nice town, and it’s growing,” he noted. He also praised the fiscal responsibility demonstrated by both the previous and current mayors in promoting the city’s progress.
As he prepares for retirement, Adams plans to spend more time with family and engage in his role as a hockey dad. He emphasized the importance of continuity within the department, recommending that the city council consider promoting Deputy Chief Scott Carl as his successor. “The reason you have a deputy chief is because when I leave, you have somebody there,” Adams advised.
In conclusion, Adams leaves a legacy of resilience and leadership, having navigated the Westover Police Department through a transformative period. His commitment to fostering a respectful and accountable police force has set a solid foundation for future growth as the city continues to evolve.
