MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The City of Martinsburg has announced a new chief of police.
Deputy Chief George Swartwood will be promoted to chief on June 1. This comes after current Chief Maury Richards’ announcement he plans to retire May 31.
Swartwood has 36 years of law enforcement experience, all with Martinsburg.
He served as a patrolman from 1984-1990, detective from 1990-2008, Detective Lieutenant from 2018-2012, Detective Captain from 2012 to 2016 and Deputy Chief of Police from 2016 until now.
“The City of Martinsburg looks forward to Deputy Chief of Police George Swartwood’s promotion to Chief of Police. His diverse experiences, long-term leadership with the Martinsburg Police Department will represent our city police department and our community in an on-going professional manner. His numerous police department positions, police certifications and training accomplishments will benefit and have a positive impact on our police department and our community.”
-City of Martinsburg
Swartwood was instrumental in the development of MPD’s Honor Guard, Handle with Care Program and Citizens Police Academy.