VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) - Friday was the final day in the long service of Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress, who is retiring from the force.
Valdosta Police Department Commander Leslie Manahan has been appointed Interim Chief, effective September 1.
The Marietta native moved to Valdosta in 1990 to attend Valdosta State University and graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education.
Manahan began her career at the Valdosta Police Department in 1997 as a Patrol Officer. Following that Manahan moved through the ranks of the Valdosta Police Department from Field Training Officer to Road Sergeant and then to Lieutenant of the Investigations Unit. In 2013, Manahan was appointed Commander of the Investigations Bureau.
"I’ve been given a lot of opportunities to grow within different areas of the department. I think it has made me a well-rounded leader. This was my first job as a Police Officer and it’s an incredible department. I’m honored for this opportunity and for all of the other opportunities I have been provided with by the City of Valdosta," said Manahan.
“Leslie’s transition from Commander of the Investigations Bureau to her new role as Interim Chief will be seamless," said City Manager Mark Barber.
In May, Manahan was awarded a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Command College at Columbus State University.
“I’ve worked side by side with many of our officers at the Valdosta Police Department. I am excited and know I am prepared for this new role as Interim Chief. I am looking forward to continuing the success this department has had over the years,” said Manahan.
Since 2013, Manahan has served as the Commander of the Investigations Bureau which is manned by 29 dedicated men and women assigned as detectives and civilian employees in seven areas of expertise.
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