SILOAM SPRINGS (KFSM)- The City of Siloam Springs has hired a new police chief to replace Chief Joe Garrett, who announced his retirement in October.
James Wilmeth of New Mexico will take over as police chief on Dec. 8, according to a release from the city.
Wilmeth has been the Undersheriff in Lea County since July 2012 and is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of the Southwest, where he teaches Principles of Criminal Justice, International Criminal and Civil Justice Systems and Introduction to Law Enforcement and Criminal Law.
Wilmeth became part of the Lea County Sheriff’s Office in 1995 and has also served as the interim chief of police in Eunice, New Mexico. Additionally, he served as a Special Agent in the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and was a Voice Intercept Analyst for the U.S. Army.
“Chief Wilmeth brings a wealth of knowledge, skill and ability that will help continue to ascend the Siloam Springs Police Department to new heights,” Public Safety Director Greg Neely said. “I am most pleased that we were able to land a candidate of this caliber for our city and for our department.”
Wilmeth will be moving to Siloam Springs with his wife and other family members.
Siloam Springs Police will also celebrate the grand opening of a new police department on Nov. 22 and Wilmeth will be in attendance.
