Charlottesville City Manager Maurice Jones announced today his recommendation for the City’s next Chief of Police, Alfred S. Thomas Jr. of Lexington, Va.
The City Council will formally consider Chief Thomas’s appointment at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday April 18, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. Chief Thomas will replace retiring Chief Timothy Longo.
Chief Thomas has served as Chief of Police for the City of Lexington, Virginia since 2010. During his time in Lexington, he has directed a number of major initiatives, including operational reorganizations, upgrades to emergency communications infrastructure, implementation of mobile data terminals and digital in-car camera systems, and expanded outreach to city youth with the implementation of multiple programs including a junior police academy, police summer camp, and a regional high school internship program.
“Chief Thomas was an excellent candidate who rose to the top of a very deep applicant pool,” said Mr. Jones. “He has the experience, the interpersonal skills and leadership abilities we were searching for in our next Chief. I am confident Chief Thomas and the dedicated men and women in our department will build upon the great work of his predecessor.”
“I am truly honored to join one of the finest police departments in the Commonwealth,” said Chief Thomas. “I look forward to serving the citizens of Charlottesville and building upon the longstanding history of providing exceptional services to the community.”
Prior to his time in Lexington, Chief Thomas spent 20 years with the Lynchburg Police Department working in varied roles with increasing command responsibility. From 1985 until 1990, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Chief Thomas is Chair of the Rockbridge Regional Law Enforcement Command Board, Vice-President of the Rockbridge Area Housing Corporation Board of Directors, is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officialsand the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Rockbridge Area YMCA.
Chief Thomas will begin work with the City of Charlottesville on May 23, 2016.
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