Monday morning, family, colleagues and police chiefs and officers from surrounding cities gathered at the Southmayd City Hall for the swearing-in ceremony for the town’s new police chief, Jeff Laughlin.
“We started the search back around August,” Mayor Debbie Thompson said. “It’s been a long process, but we’re excited for positive changes.”
Chief Laughlin grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. He later joined the U.S. Marine Corps and became a staff sergeant. Over time, he moved to Corsicana and served as a recruiter for the military. Laughlin began working for the Denton Police Department in 2004. There, he served in a multitude of roles, ranging from patrol and instructor to SWAT team and a detective investigator. In 2014 Laughlin transitioned to the role of narcotics investigations. After 20 years working for the Denton Police Department, Laughlin retired – for three days. Then he learned about Southmayd’s search for a new police chief, and his interest was piqued.
“I grew up in a small town, so I understand small town life,” Laughlin said. “I’ve spent my entire life serving. Just under nine years in the military, serving the community – I enjoy taking care of people. The idea of moving into a leadership role in a small town was important to me.”
Laughlin, who currently lives in Aubrey but has purchased property between Collinsville and Whitesboro on which he’ll build a new home, is looking forward to the challenges of becoming a police chief. His goal for the town is vision and image.
“This area is going to grow, so it’s important to have a vision of where we want to go,” Laughlin said. “Then we need to decide how we want to be viewed and what our image is going to be.”
Laughlin wants the community to know that the Southmayd Police Department is here to serve. They’re a community-oriented department with a welcoming open-door policy. He hopes that people will reach out with any comments or concerns.
“I’m super excited and anxious to get started,” Laughlin said. “I’m ready to do what’s best for the city, community and citizens we serve. It’s been a long hiring process, and I’m ready to move everything forward. I really appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Southmayd. I’m not going to let them down.”
Chief Laughlin will office out of the new Police Station located at 304 McElroy (across from City Hall). A renovated home, the station is a spacious upgrade from the previous offices located inside the fire station. The department moved into the new building after the first of the year.
To meet the new police chief and see the new station, attend a Meet and Greet at 304 McElroy on April 11 from 5-7 p.m. This event is open to the public everyone is invited.
