New Columbia police chief wants better relationship with community
COLUMBIA, Miss. ( WHLT ) – The Columbia Police Department has a new police chief.
Adrien Fortenberry was sworn in as the new chief last week. He recently served as the chief of the Lumberton Police Department.
Fortenberry was voted in by the Columbia Board of Aldermen after former Chief Michael Kelly suddenly resigned in August 2024. Several officers also resigned.
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Fortenberry and the aldermen hired five new officers on Tuesday, September 17. He's focused on strengthening the department's relationship with the community and creating a better work environment.
"Getting out and interacting with the public. You know, letting the citizens be familiar with the officers here. You know, we have a lot of new faces here in this department. So, these officers to actually get out and interact with the community. And just getting more involved with the kids here inside in the city because, nowadays, your younger generation, you know, look at law enforcement as, I'm not going to necessarily say bad, but they look at this and kind of steer away from us. So, we want to let them know that we are here for them to protect them," said Fortenberry.
He also works as a captain for the Walthall County Sheriff's Office. Fortenberry said he's working with the Board to see if he can continue working in both positions.
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