Town Police Chief Announces Retirement

The Town of Pulaski would like to announce that after over 25 years of dedicated law enforcement service to the community, Police Chief Jill Neice is retiring on January 2, 2024 and handing over the torch to a very capable and equally dedicated public servant, Samuel J. Shumate.

Mr. Shumate comes to the Town of Pulaski from the Radford University Police Department, where he has served for over 24 years, including his current role of Assistant Police Chief for the past five years, and prior progressive roles as Lieutenant of Criminal Investigations, Sergeant of Criminal Investigations, Patrol Sergeant, and Police Officer. Mr. Shumate is a veteran of the United States Air Force, in addition to his service in the Virginia ARMY National Guard, and the United States Navy Reserve, where he spent time as a NCIS Naval Criminal Investigator.

Mr. Shumate's education includes a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership, a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership, and graduation from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety's School of Police Staff & Command, and the New River Criminal Justice Academy. Additionally, Mr. Shumate has completed the Supervisor, Command, and Executive Leadership Institute Programs through the FBI-LEEDA, is a Certified Law Enforcement Command Executive through the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Foundation (VACP), is an active member of the several professional organizations to include the VACP, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), and he is the President of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy Alumni Association.

Mr. Shumate will begin work with the Town of Pulaski on December 18, 2023 to allow for a seamless transition into his role, and he will officially take over as Police Chief on January 3, 2024. The Town of Pulaski believes that Mr. Shumate's extensive background and experience, combined with his knowledge and familiarity of the community will be instrumental to his leadership and the continued success of department.