Westover Police Chief Joe Adams Announces Retirement After Five Years

Westover Police Chief Joe Adams has announced his retirement, concluding a notable five-year tenure in the role. During a meeting of the Westover City Council on October 23, 2023, he confirmed that his last day will be November 4, 2023. Adams, who was appointed on October 22, 2020, expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the city council and the mayor throughout his time in office.

Adams reflected on his experiences as chief, stating, “I appreciate the support the city council and the mayor have given the police department, and I’ve appreciated working with you guys. It’s been a learning experience.” His tenure has certainly been marked by significant changes within the department, a transformation acknowledged by city officials.

Rebuilding a Troubled Department

City Attorney Tim Stranko commended Adams for his leadership, stating, “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.” Stranko highlighted the progress made under Adams, emphasizing that while no department is perfect, the improvements are evident and commendable.

Councilor Duane Tatar echoed these sentiments, expressing his respect for Adams’ accomplishments. “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,” he noted. The council’s recognition of Adams’ efforts underscores the positive direction in which the police department is headed.

Prior to his role as chief, Adams accumulated 25 years of service with the West Virginia State Police and later worked with the West Virginia Supreme Court. His extensive background has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges faced by law enforcement.

Looking Forward

After the council meeting, Adams reflected on his time in Westover with a mix of humor and gratitude. “We had some challenging, interesting times,” he said. “I’m grateful for the experience and what I’ve been able to learn, but it was rough what we went through.” Despite the challenges, he highlighted the department’s current stability, mentioning “good hires” and ongoing improvements in policies and equipment.

Adams is eager to step back and focus on spending time with his family, particularly enjoying his role as a hockey dad. He also took the opportunity to recommend a successor, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the department. “You have a deputy chief for a reason,” he advised. “I would advise you to give that strong consideration. Scott Carl is a good man, and I would recommend him.”

As Westover prepares for the transition, the city council is poised to consider the future leadership of the police department, ensuring that the progress made under Adams will continue.