After conducting multiple interviews with qualified candidates, the Town of Lake View and Lake View Police Department is proud to announce they have officially appointed Assistant Chief James “JJ” Smith as the new Chief of Police. This decision did not come lightly and was made following a thorough selection process, marking a new chapter for the Lake View Police Department as it transitions to its next era of leadership.
Chief Smith has 9 years of Law Enforcement under his belt and has earned every notch along the way including his most recent achievement award of Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awarded to him by the Dillon VFW & the life saving award for saving a citizens life back in 2024. He also received a life saving award from the Marion County Detention Center back in 2019 for saving an inmate’s life.
Chief Smith hit the ground running starting his Law Enforcement Career at the Marion County Detention Center as Detention Deputy. Working thru the ranks and classes, taking as many trainings and course he could handle he achieved his Class 2 and finally Class 1 Certifications along with multiple other certifications along the way that included but were not limited to Permit to perform breath alcohol test, DUI Detection Practitioner, Anti-Bias Training, Conflict and Dispute Resolution, Active Shooter Response are just to name a few. He has over 768+ training hours and a proven track record of deep knowledge of the department’s operations as well as positive relationships already held within the community.
Chief Smith has worked and continues to work countless hours, day and night to keep Lake View safe. In the upcoming days and weeks he will be continuing the interview process to fully staff his department to foster an environment of trust and mutual respect between police and the people of the Lake View Community near and far. With the assistance of Lake View Town Council, Mayor, Municipal Clerk and all Lake View Town Employees the Lake View Police Department will strive and continue to move forward as they all work together as a Team.
