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  • Capt. Darryle Slaven hands out patches to four new sergeants named by HPD Chief Kevin Lunsford Wednesday. From left to right, Roy Moore, Jeff Dugas, Ken Foulch and Slavin Richards. Matthew Jackson

    Changing Command

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September 1, 2010

HPD announces changes to command structure

By Matthew Jackson Staff Reporter

HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville Police Chief Kevin Lunsford announced several changes to the command structure of the Huntsville Police Department during a ceremony swearing in a new officer Wednesday afternoon.

After swearing in Texas A&M graduate Richard Roberts as the newest addition to HPD’s Patrol Division, Lunsford named four new sergeants and a new captain for the department.

Lt. Darryle Slaven, an HPD veteran of 21 years, was promoted by Lunsford to the position of captain during the ceremony.

Lunsford made the announcement as a surprise to Slaven and the rest of the HPD staff, then awarded Slaven his captain’s insignia.

“This is one of the few times I’ll be speechless,” Slaven said. “Thank you, and I’ll do the best job I can.”

Lunsford said the HPD will retain only two lieutenants in addition to the captain’s position. Lt. Jim Barnes will oversee patrol and the school resource officer program, while Lt. Curt Landrum will oversee the criminal investigation division, as well as records and evidence.

“He’s got a very good head on his shoulders, is a natural leader and I think will just fall right into place,” Lunsford said of Slaven. “We share the same objectives for the department as far as moving forward in the community.”

Lunsford also announced four new sergeants to fill out the rest of the HPD command staff.

Sgt. Slavin Richards and Sgt. Roy Moore, both transferring from detective positions, will work in the patrol division. Sgt. Ken Foulch will supervise the HPD’ detectives, while Sgt. Jeff Dugas will supervise the school resource officers.

“These sergeants have all been with the department a long time, and they have each contributed to the department in their own way,” Lunsford said.

According to Lunsford, the new organizational structure of the department is meant to streamline the leadership of the HPD.

“I’m also the city’s public safety director, and some of this restructure will allow me more time to try to learn more about the fire department and fire operations,” Lunsford said. “We’re doing this in an effort to try to streamline the department and focus more on the things that we need to focus on.”

 

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