Kremmling chooses new Chief of Police

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photo by Rhonda Shearer Jamie Lucas of South Carolina accepts the position of Kremmling's new Police of Chief as he shakes Mayor Grover Pryor's hand on June 20. Lucas will be in Kremmling later in July.
photo by Rhonda Shearer Jamie Lucas of South Carolina accepts the position of Kremmling's new Police of Chief as he shakes Mayor Grover Pryor's hand on June 20. Lucas will be in Kremmling later in July.

Jamie Lucas knows his first few weeks as Kremmling’s new chief of police will be a whirlwind. “My first month of work I feel is going to be very stretched out and very demanding, and I am not afraid of that. I would like to be able to get to know the residents, get to know their names, get to know the business people, get to know the school system, the people at the school, show them that we are wanting the police department to be part of the solution. Get them to working with the police department,” he stated in his interview.

Lucas speaks with a southern cadence from his home state of South Carolina, and at the age of 46, he has spent his career in a variety of positions from law enforcement to a county magistrate.

His move to Colorado has been prompted by his marriage to his wife, Darlene, who was from Maine originally. “I promised her I would get her to a cooler climate,” he said. “My wife just loves to be outdoors. She loves rafting. She loves kayaking. She loves walking trails. She is just an outdoors person, and unfortunately she is limited in that in South Carolina.”

She has worked as a dental assistant for the past 18 years and hopes to find employment in the field when they relocate here. Lucas’ 10-year-old stepdaughter will attend the West Grand K-8. He assured the Board he would not be using Kremmling as a stepping stone – he and his family were committed to living in Colorado. “We love Colorado and we want to make it our home. This is where we want to be permanent at,” he added, “This is the something we want for our family. It is worth it.”

Lucas jokes his wife says he will have to learn to use a shovel. He also admits he will have to learn how to drive in the snow. Weather is not the only unfamiliar issue Lucas will face. He will have to familiarize himself with laws and issues surrounding legalized marijuana. “Whatever the job requires and whatever the job needs I am going to meet those expectations if not exceed them,” he asserted.

Throughout his interview, Lucas emphasized communication, community relationships and understanding those he serves. “You use a lot of common sense discretion. Not every violator that you stop or person you see breaking the law doesn’t need to go to jail or doesn’t need a summons… everybody is treated with the same respect just depending on the degree on how far they may have carried the crime.”

Lucas also emphasizes communication with his officers. “I want to listen to what they feel and what they feel they need to be successful out on the street serving these citizens professionally and also most efficiently.” Lucas is familiar with body cams and will be able to help Kremmling’s Police Department implement and train with their new body cams.

Lucas will also focus on Code Enforcement within the Town.

“If I find a problem, I will always come with a solution,” Lucas promised. He is currently in the process of moving his family to Kremmling. Once in Colorado, he will have six months to challenge and pass the post test and pass the skills academy to get certified in Colorado.