Chief James Jermon and Mayor Doug Roper

He’s no stranger to the City of Vidalia. In fact, he’s served the Sweet Onion City in a police uniform for over 20 years. And now, he’s the new Chief of Police.

At a called meeting at noon Friday, the City Council made an official recommendation and approved unanimously that James Jermon, who had been serving as the Acting Chief since late August, would immediately become the permanent head of the Vidalia Police Department.

Chief Jermon is ready to hit the ground running in his new leadership role.

“We need to build our personnel,” Chief Jermon told these radio stations. “We need to hold the Department and our officers to high standards – MY standards.”

The seasoned law enforcement officer said one of the areas in which he’s going to put a high focus is the homeless population.

“We need to do something about those without a place to call ‘home,’” Chief Jermon said. “But it’s going to take everyone. It’s not a Police Department problem; it’s not a City Council problem; it’s a community problem and it’s going to take all of us working together to address it.”

Chief Jermon said he will maintain an open-door policy at the Police Department, but don’t expect to find him sitting behind a desk.

“I’m going to be out in the community,” he said. “If you see me, please feel free to come and talk to me about anything as long as it’s not an active case. I want the community to feel free to come to the Police Station and take a tour and see this beautiful building that the City has built for the citizens.”

Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper said four individuals were interviewed for the position, but ultimately, Chief Jermon had all the qualities of which the Council was seeking.

“Chief Jermon has a vested interest in this community, and we support him 100 percent as the new Chief,” the Mayor said. “We are confident that we’ve selected the right person for the job and know he’s going to represent the City of Vidalia well in his new position.”