Mayor Judy swore in Kevin Keplinger as the City’s new Chief of Police yesterday afternoon in the Council Chambers of the Parsons Municipal Building.
Keplinger will be replacing Jacob “Jake” Kopec who recently was elected as Sheriff of Tucker County. Keplinger will officially assume the position on Friday, January 1, 2021.
“As a cadet in the West Virginia State Police Academy, the only thing I knew about Parsons was driving through it twice a week on the way to Charleston,” said Kevin Keplinger. “I began to like the area, and when given the chance to request a duty assignment, I became maybe the only Trooper to ever ask for Parsons. I spent my entire career with the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) stationed here. After I retired I stayed here, because I have grown to love the area, and the people here. After 25 years of uniformed law enforcement with the WVSP, I felt that I was finished with uniformed law enforcement. However, after the election of Chief Jake Kopec to Tucker County Sheriff, I was given the opportunity to become the new Chief of Police for Parsons. I am very excited about this, and am looking forward to working with the Parsons City Officials, and particularly Patrolman Nick Gidley. This will be a new phase of law enforcement for me, and I would like for the citizens of Parsons to know that I and my office are open and available to discuss any issues that may concern you, or affect the quality of life here. Parsons is a very special place for me, and I’m sure it is for you as well. I believe that together we can continue to keep Parsons a great place to live.”
“Kevin brings many years of law enforcement experience to our police department,” said Mayor Dorothy Judy. “He makes a great addition not only to our City family, but to the department as a whole. We look forward to working with him for many years to come. He plans to make some positive changes within the department to make it the best it can be for the citizens of our community.”
