SEABOARD – Virginia Ann Powell, a 13-year veteran of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, has been sworn in as the new Chief of Police for the town of Seaboard.

During her tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, Powell rose to the rank of Sergeant and worked as a Child Support Enforcement Officer for Northampton County Department of Social Services; responsible for Child Support Enforcement Court, also known as 4D Court and Motions Court. Powell also assisted the Chief Court Bailiff with District and Superior Court as needed while employed with the Sheriff’s Office.

Powell began working with the Seaboard Police Department in 2012 as a part-time officer while remaining employed at the Sheriff’s Office. On Dec. 15 Powell resigned from the Sheriff’s Office to accept the position as Assistant Chief with the Seaboard Police Department.

Powell replaces Chief George Reed who ended his employment on Jan. 1 after eight years of service.

At Powell’s swearing-in ceremony, Seaboard mayor Danny Hines stated that this is a milestone for the town of Seaboard.

“We welcome a female Police Chief with excellent public relations with the community and other agencies,” Hines said. “Chief Powell is dedicated to enhancing the ongoing commitment to quality community policing and willing to work tirelessly to ensure that the citizens of Seaboard and visitors are safe. She realizes the citizens expect and deserve their police officers to possess the upmost integrity for the town.”

“Chief Powell is well respected in the community. I am looking forward to working with her to help move our community forward in a positive way. I know that Chief Powell is ready and willing to move in a positive direction,” the mayor said.

Powell also spoke at her swearing-in event where she thanked the Town Board members, her family, colleagues, friends, her church family and her extended family for their support. Powell gave special thanks to her mother, Virginia Pernell, her step father, Willie, and her husband, John, who is always very supportive and a part of her decision making.

“I’m deeply humbled, honored and blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to become the Police Chief for the town of Seaboard,” Powell said. “I know there will be challenges but I intend to meet them head on. I want to thank the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office staff for their support and starting point. I know without the Sheriff’s Office I would not be standing here today; this is truly a shared effort and they will forever be in my heart.”

Powell also pledged to keep Seaboard safe and for residents to have confidence in law enforcement.

“To Mayor Hines, board members and to the men and women in the community, I want you to know that I look forward to working with you to make Seaboard a safer place to live and to enhance the already excellent performance of the Seaboard Police Department,” Powell added. “I’m looking forward to working with you to charter a new direction that’s going to be led by strong ethical leadership, forward thinking, collaboration, community engagement, accountability, mutual respect and integrity.”

Powell also stated that under Mayor Hine’s administration she will work hard to renew old connections and build new relationships. She cited community policing, and cracking down on crime and violent offenders as her number one goal.

“I will do so honorably, unselfishly and faithfully and I am confident that the police officers for Seaboard will do the same,” she concluded.