Chris Russell Named Alexandria Police Chief

Alexandria has a new Chief of Police.
Chris Russell, who has been serving as interim chief for the past month, was officially named chief during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the Alexandria Mayor and Board of Aldermen. He was sworn in by City Attorney Vester Parsley.
Russell told WJLE after the meeting that he looks forward to continue serving the people of Alexandria in this new role. “I’ve been with the Alexandria Police Department for a little over nine years now. I’ve been in law enforcement for going on seventeen years. Since I’ve been here I started as a patrolman and got promoted to sergeant and have been in that position for the last eight years,” said Chief Russell.
“As a department we’re going to continue to work on the drug problem in the community. I think that (drugs) leads to other crimes as far as burglaries, assaults and things like that so this is going to be our main focus,” he said.
In addition to Chief Russell, the Alexandria Police Department is made up of officers Dillon Hulse and Travis Hawkins. ” Dillon Hulse has been with us for about three months now. Our newest officer is Travis Hawkins. He just started within the last month. Both men have completed training at the state law enforcement academy,” Chief Russell continued.
“I just look forward to continue serving the community. If anybody has any concerns, feel free to come to me and address them and we’ll see what we can do for you,” he concluded.
The aldermen officially hired Hawkins as an officer during Tuesday night’s meeting. Both Hulse and Hawkins are from Wilson County.
Meanwhile, the aldermen voted to appoint Randy Payne as alderman to fill a position left vacant by Pat Jackson who has resigned. Payne was sworn into office by City Attorney Vester Parsley.