WESTOVER — Westover Police Chief Joe Adams is retiring after five years in the position.
He made the announcement during Monday’s Westover City Council meeting.
Adams was hired exactly five years ago Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2020. His last day will be Nov. 4.
“I appreciate the support the city council and the mayor have given the police department, and I’ve appreciated working with you guys,” Adams said. “It’s been a learning experience. I’ve had some interesting times here. I appreciate you all letting me wear the uniform and work for the city.”
Interesting times, indeed.
Adams’ tenure began with the city’s police department embroiled in multiple lawsuits alleging violent misconduct and civil rights violations, among other claims, for which the city’s insurer would ultimately pay out more than $1.1 million.
Separately, Adams quickly, and literally, found himself in the middle of a fractured city council, at one point forced to separate the previous mayor and a former council member when a February 2022 argument became physical.
City officials noted times have changed in Westover, thanks in no small part to Adams.
“I just have the utmost respect for the chief. 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,” city attorney Tim Stranko said. “Look where we are now. Nobody’s perfect – the department’s not perfect, but, boy, we’ve come a long way. It’s because of your leadership, Joe, and God bless you for it.”
Councilor Duane Tatar expressed similar sentiments.
“I don’t know what your future holds, but I wish you the best. From the time I met you, I’ve appreciated your leadership in the department and what you’ve done for it – what you’ve brought it to from where it was,” Tatar said. “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 that it happened.”
Prior to taking over as Westover’s chief, Adams spent 25 years with the West Virginia State Police before taking a position with the West Virginia Supreme Court.
Following Monday’s meeting, he chuckled when asked if he would do it again.
“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. As far as doing it again, I don’t necessarily know that I’d recommend it,” Adams said. “But we’re in a good place now. We’ve had some good hires. The council has been supportive. The guys have good policies. They have overtime. They have good equipment. 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. Westover has been fortunate over the years. The previous mayor and the current mayor have been fiscally responsible and they keep progressing the city forward.”
Adams said he’s looking forward to a break, spending time with family and focusing on his assigned duties as a hockey dad.
He concluded his remarks before council with a recommendation.
“We have a deputy chief. The reason you have a deputy chief is because when I leave, you have somebody there. You’re not stuck in the position you were in when I got here, where you didn’t have anybody,” he said. “I would advise you to give that strong consideration. I would assume that’s who you would go with, but I guess nothing is set in stone. Scott Carl is a good man, and I would recommend him.”
