In a major leadership transition, Huntington Police Chief Mark Reynolds has officially announced his resignation, passing the role to HPD Deputy Chief Thomas Carter. After seven years of dedicated service as chief and over 25 years in law enforcement, Reynolds cited personal reasons and a desire to focus on family as his reasons for stepping down.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
During his tenure, Chief Reynolds spearheaded crime reduction initiatives, community policing efforts, and department modernization projects that have significantly impacted the safety and well-being of Huntington residents. Under his leadership, HPD saw a 12% decline in violent crime, improved relations with local neighborhoods, and expanded mental health crisis intervention programs.
In his farewell statement, Reynolds expressed gratitude to his officers and the community, saying:
“Serving as the Chief of Police has been the greatest honor of my career. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I have full confidence in Deputy Chief Carter’s ability to lead this department forward.”
Deputy Chief Carter Steps Up
With over two decades of experience in law enforcement, Deputy Chief Thomas Carter has been a key figure in implementing new training protocols, community outreach initiatives, and data-driven policing strategies. His promotion to Chief marks a continuation of Reynolds’s vision, while also bringing fresh perspectives to tackle evolving challenges.
In his first statement as the incoming Police Chief, Carter assured the public that police transparency, officer training, and public safety would remain his top priorities.
“Our mission remains the same: to protect and serve with integrity, accountability, and professionalism. I look forward to working alongside our officers and the Huntington community to keep our city safe.”
What’s Next for HPD?
Carter will officially assume his role as Police Chief on April 1, 2025, and has already outlined a 30-day transition plan to assess department needs, strengthen officer morale, and engage with local leaders.
Mayor Steven Williams praised the smooth transition, calling it a “moment of continuity and progress” for the city’s law enforcement. Community leaders and residents have expressed both appreciation for Reynolds’s years of service and optimism for Carter’s leadership in the years ahead.
As Huntington enters this new chapter, all eyes will be on Chief Carter and his vision for the future of the HPD.
