Video: In Spite of Blows to Department, Interim Chief Remains Optimistic

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus Police Department is seeing its share of difficult days. The deaths of officers Kelvin Lee and Mike Griffin came about 30 days apart. And Thursday was Chief Tony Carleton’s last day on the force.

There is also the ongoing investigation of the deadly officer involved shooting, where Ricky Ball was shot to death.

Interim Police Chief Fred Shelton tells WCBI it puts a strain on the department. However, he’s working to recruit new officers and retain the current staff.

Shelton says this is a time when he leans on his training as a chaplain.

“I can’t do it all by myself so I need help from above. And I need help from within the department. And that’s one of the things we’re going to work together and we’re going to work closely together and do what we need to do to keep this department alive and well.”

The search for a permanent Chief begins tomorrow.