GERONIMO, Okla_The City of Geronimo has a new police chief. Chief John Roach is a familiar face around Geronimo. He served as the city's mayor from 2009 to 2011. Roach replaced Mike Harris, who was let go after he failed to complete the required training. The city swore Chief Roach in on June 14th and he's already planning on making some big changes to Geronimo's Police Department.
Chief Roach said increasing police presence and having more interaction with residents are his top priorities. Mayor Edward Mounts said that was one of the issues they had with the last department, there was only one person in it. Roach and Mounts also talked about what some of their critics are saying.
Chief Roach said he got to work on staffing his department the day after the city swore him in.
"I had almost 20 volunteer police officers to be unpaid reservists come work for the community of Geronimo. It's all about community. I want my officers to be accessible."
He was well aware of the drama between City Hall, the police department and residents over the firing of Chief Harris in May when he stepped in as chief.
"It was difficult to step into the middle of the role that he hadn't had the chance to fulfill yet. It's like being thrown in the middle of the game instead of the beginning."
Mayor Mounts said that drama includes accusations from residents of conflict of interest, because some city council members have family members who volunteer for the police department. He said its a non issue.
"Whether its police or fire department or whatever, it's a town of only 1200 people. If someone wants to volunteer because someone wants to make a difference you should be happy they're volunteering."
Both Mayor Mounts and Chief Roach said they've had their fair share of critics and those critics will always be there. They said it's their job to make sure Geronimo's best interest is their top priority.
"Does it hurt your feelings, maybe a little but you can't take it personal. They have to express their feelings and it is our duty to listen and explain to them why a decision was made," Mounts said.
"This happens to be the most hated profession there is. Any police officer has to be thick skinned. So, you just deal with it as it comes and do your best to resolve it," Roach said.
Mounts said Chief Roach is currently working towards his CLEET Certification. He said Roach brings with him 25 years of federal law enforcement experience, because of that he may only have to complete a portion of the training to become certified.
The Comanche County Sheriff's Department has been helping patrol Geronimo because of the lack of manpower. Chief Roach said he hopes to ease some of that pressure off the sheriff's department with his new administration.
