West Monroe Mayor Names Interim Police Chief
By: Alanna Quillen
Updated: January 2, 2013
WEST MONROE -- West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris has appointed Major Jerry Stansbury as interim police chief. Chief Christopher Elg announced last week that he had accepted a job in Tequesta, Florida.
"I just want to thank mayor Norris for giving me this opportunity," said Stansbury.
Stansbury joined the department in 1981 and is currently serving as major of the patrol division.He holds a B.A. degree in Law Enforcement and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, both from ULM.
" What sticks out the most is just the way the city's grown over the years," he said. "I'm excited and ready to hit the ground running."
He says he plans to make no major changes while serving as interim. Patrol Captain Harold Freeman will move into Stansbury's position as interim major for the patrol division.
"We'll do things just like we've always did, no major changes," he said. "We'll keep doing things as we are."
Current chief Elg has been west Monroe's top cop since 2004.
"I've learned a lot from the men and women in this department," he said. "The things we've done together, and I'll take those practices and successes with me."
He has some advice for the future chief of police.
"Just remember where you came from, remember what it was like when you were a police officer looking up to people you were working for," he said.
Elg says the Citizen's Police Academy is one of the programs he's most proud of -- and hopes to see continue.
"I would also hope that the mentoring and professional development of staff continues with the pace it does. Training is very important," he said.
He attributes his departure to seeking an opportunity.
"Police chief positions only come open when there is that opening, through retirement or whatever the case might be," he said. "We've spent nine years here and we're looking for something that's a little different. I was looking in a few different areas of the country."
Elg's last day is Saturday, January 4. Stansbury will be appointed on Sunday, January 5th.
Mayor Dave Norris tells NBC 10 News say that he felt Stansbury is the obvious person to handle the job. He also said he appreciates the contribution Elg has made, and says he wishes him well in his new endeavors.
"I just want to thank mayor Norris for giving me this opportunity," said Stansbury.
Stansbury joined the department in 1981 and is currently serving as major of the patrol division.He holds a B.A. degree in Law Enforcement and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, both from ULM.
" What sticks out the most is just the way the city's grown over the years," he said. "I'm excited and ready to hit the ground running."
He says he plans to make no major changes while serving as interim. Patrol Captain Harold Freeman will move into Stansbury's position as interim major for the patrol division.
"We'll do things just like we've always did, no major changes," he said. "We'll keep doing things as we are."
Current chief Elg has been west Monroe's top cop since 2004.
"I've learned a lot from the men and women in this department," he said. "The things we've done together, and I'll take those practices and successes with me."
He has some advice for the future chief of police.
"Just remember where you came from, remember what it was like when you were a police officer looking up to people you were working for," he said.
Elg says the Citizen's Police Academy is one of the programs he's most proud of -- and hopes to see continue.
"I would also hope that the mentoring and professional development of staff continues with the pace it does. Training is very important," he said.
He attributes his departure to seeking an opportunity.
"Police chief positions only come open when there is that opening, through retirement or whatever the case might be," he said. "We've spent nine years here and we're looking for something that's a little different. I was looking in a few different areas of the country."
Elg's last day is Saturday, January 4. Stansbury will be appointed on Sunday, January 5th.
Mayor Dave Norris tells NBC 10 News say that he felt Stansbury is the obvious person to handle the job. He also said he appreciates the contribution Elg has made, and says he wishes him well in his new endeavors.
