Police chief gives kind words to new St. Louis chief
Published 9:05 am Friday, December 29, 2017
Port Arthur Police Chief Patrick Melvin, who was recently named one of six finalists for the police commissioner job in St. Louis, Missouri, has released a statement after learning that John Hayden was chosen for the top spot.
Melvin offered congratulations to Hayden, of St. Louis, on his selection and impending promotion.
He went o to say he is delighted to continue to serve the citizens and fellow officers of Port Arthur; that this is his home state comprised of family and friends and his career has been defined by my ability to bring about change to police departments.
“Port Arthur is no different,” he said. “I look forward to moving forward with our efforts to improve the department and bring greater transparency and build greater trust between the community and this department.”
Change, he said, is not always easy.
“However, it is our duty and responsibility to be the best department possible and that means keeping our focus on what is right and not what is easy,” he said. “We have a lot of work left to do here and I look forward to the challenges and successes ahead.”
Melvin was named chief of police in Port Arthur in September 2016, replacing retired former chief Mark Blanton.
Before coming to Port Arthur, Melvin retired as chief of police at Salt River Police Department, Scottsdale, Arizona for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. He has more than 30 years experience in law enforcement and is a U.S. Army veteran.
He previously served as an assistant city manager for the city of Maricopa, Arizona, public safety director and fire chief/public safety manager.