Chief West: Goldsboro Police Department's leader earns a vote of confidence

Mike West has been named the new chief of the Goldsboro Police Department.

We believe it is an excellent choice.

West, who has been with the department for 23 years, beat out 29 other applicants for the job. He had served as interim chief since the retirement of Jeff Stewart last year.

Although he fully understands what is expected of him, West said he knows there

will be a learning curve and that he is ready

to start.

West said he is glad the hiring process is finally over, but he emphasized that he would in no way take it easy now that he has the job. Just the opposite, in fact.

"I am going to keep my foot down," he said. "I am really looking forward to it. I think the department is in a great position to move forward."

As he made the announcement at the City Council meeting Monday night, City Manager Scott Stevens expressed his confidence in West.

"I think he has the potential to be a great chief for Goldsboro," Stevens said.

So do we.

Published in Editorials on March 9, 2016 11:14 AM