AMERICUS — The City Manager has narrowed the field of candidates for the position of Police Chief down to two candidates. The candidates are Woodrow W. Blue Jr. and John Powell.
Blue began his career in law enforcement in 1982, as the Chief of Police for the City of Hahira, and served 21 years in that capacity. Afterwards, he served as the Deputy Chief and then Chief of Police of the City of Milledgeville, or 11 years. He also served as adjunct professor of criminal justice at Central Georgia Technical College, and as a board member of the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies. He holds a master of public administration from Columbus State University and a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Valdosta State University. He also served as Chief of Police of East Point for two years and currently serves as Chief of Police in Donalsonville.
Powell first served as an officer and investigator for the Escambia County, Florida Sheriff’s Office in 1983, followed by serving as a Special Agent for the FBI in 1996. He later served as Chief of Police for the City of Hartsville, S.C., in 1999, the City of Wilson, N.C., in 2001, and the City of Dothan, Ala., in 2005. He also served as Deputy Secretary and then Director of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for two years. He holds a master of public administration, a bachelor of criminal justice with a minor in business, and an associate degree in general studies all from Troy University. He is currently a law enforcement, public safety and security consultant.
City Manager, Steve Kennedy, stated that these two candidates have both the experience and education to perform the job of Police Chief for the City of Americus. He will be making a decision soon.
Meanwhile, at 6 p.m. today, Nov. 30, citizens will be able to meet Blue and ask questions at a public forum at the Russell Thomas Jr. Public Safety Building.