Danville now officially has a Police Department again. It had been the ‘Police Division of the Department of Public Safety’ up until a vote which was approved by City Council members Tuesday night. The vote also did away with the title of Director of Public Safety. Danville now has a Police Chief…Chris Yates, who was recently elevated to the position.
Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. says he expects next month city ordinances will be amended to reflect the fact that Danville now has a Fire Department. Technically the Fire Department has been operating as the ‘Fire Division of the Department of Public Safety.’ Don McMasters is currently serving as the Acting Chief of the Fire Department.
Larry Thomason, who retired earlier, had been Director of Public Safety over both the Police and Fire Departments. And for a while Chief Yates had served as Acting Public Safety Director over both departments.
