GARY, WV – The City of Gary City Council, meeting in regular session Tuesday, April 21st, 2020, voted unanimously to promote Officer S. P. McKinney to the rank of Chief of Police.

Born in Mullens, McKinney is the son of the late Audra and Willie McKinney of New Richmond and brings 36 years of experience and much training to the position, including a college degree in Criminal Justice Administration and certification as an instructor of Law Enforcement training.

McKinney is a member of the Roderfield Christian Church and lives in Welch with his children Sherman II, age 5, and Kara, Age 7, whom he is raising with their mother Jacosta Harmon McKinney.

McKinney considers himself a community-oriented Police Office. “The Gary Police Department will strive to make every interaction as positive as possible and encourage residents and visitors alike to spend more time in Gary,” said McKinney. “Enforcement actions are not always needed but when they are, they will be done professionally and legally correct.”

McKinney said he was tickled by the promotion.

“It is always nice for the people you work for and alongside to reward you service with recognition and promotion,” said McKinney.