ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, August 6, 1996 TAG: 9608060054
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: NARROWS
SOURCE: LISA K. GARCIA STAFF WRITER
O.P. Ramsey, former captain of law enforcement for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, has been hired as the Narrows chief of police.
The job was left vacant when Buck Clemons retired July 1.
Ramsey said he did not want to detail his plans for the department until he meets with five officers who will serve under him. He did reveal one goal, however.
"The Narrows Police Department is going to be one of the top police departments in Southwest Virginia, if not the state," Ramsey said. "People will know of us from our reputation."
Because four of the five officers already on the force applied for the chief's job, Ramsey said he will make a point of asking the men for their input before moving ahead.
Ramsey's experience includes three years at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office after more than 23 years with the Blacksburg Police Department.
He was, however, one of two top deputies that was not reappointed when Sheriff Doug Marrs took office in January. Ramsey, an independent, was one of three candidates who ran for sheriff against Republican Marrs and lost last year.
Narrows Councilman Buford Tawney said Ramsey is, in his opinion, what the department needed.
"We did have quite a few qualified officers apply," Tawney said. "At the present time, I feel like Mr. Ramsey was what was needed for this area."
Ramsey was chosen from 20 applicants, Tawney said. He started administrative work Monday and will be sworn in Aug. 12.
He said he put he and his wife's home in Montgomery County on the market and will move as soon as he finds a home in Giles County. Because of a plethora of pets that includes ducks, rabbits, African pygmy goats, chickens and dogs, Ramsey said he is looking to buy a home outside of town.
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Ramsey. color.by CNB