Wear named Van Buren police chief

Captain Jonathan Wear of the Van Buren Police Department has been selected by Van Buren Mayor Joe Hurst to replace Chief Jamie Hammond as the new chief of police for the department. Hurst made the announcement July 31, the day of Hammond’s retirement from the police force.

“I am extremely pleased to name Jonathan Wear as our new Chief of Police”, Hurst said. “He is a man of integrity, with the experience, dedication, and skills to effectively lead the department. With nearly 17 years in the Van Buren Police Department and his heart for volunteering on numerous boards, organizations, and projects, it’s clear that Jonathan loves this community, and we are fortunate to have him.”

Hurst said Wear takes over “a highly qualified and professional department” and will keep Van Buren a safe place to live, work and visit. There are about 70 working for the Van Buren Police Department including 56 sworn officers, five civilian employees and a number of reserve officers, Wear said. His annual salary as chief of police is $84,417.

Wear, 47, began his law enforcement service as a police officer in Barling. He joined the Van Buren Police Department on Sept. 1, 2007. He spent two years in patrol and then made his way into the criminal investigation department, with a majority of his time as a detective, he said. He spent two and half years as a school resource lieutenant. He also served as a public relations/officer development sergeant and service division captain. He was promoted to captain two years ago.

“I have diligently invested my entire career with the objective of gaining leadership experience and knowledge of our profession to eventually lead our department as chief of police,” he said.

Hammond retired July 31 after nearly 33 years of service in law enforcement, the last seven years serving as chief. He replaced former Chief Kenny Bell. Over the past several months, the city conducted a search for the new police chief, a position appointed by the mayor, and received multiple applications, a news release from the Mayor’s office said.

After interviewing the finalists for the position, Captain Wear emerged as the top candidate,” the news release said.

“I am extremely excited, humbled and a little scared,” Wear said of taking over the department. “First off, I was handed a great department with great men and women working here. I want to lead it through the next season.”

Wear said his focus will be on increasing professionalism, ethics, morals and values among the force.

“I want to make sure that every officer is rock solid as far as ethics and how we treat the public,” Wear said.

Wear has lived in Van Buren for 21 years. He and his wife of 25 years, Shawnda, have two children, Grant and Emilee.

He has served in various volunteer positions in the community including the River Valley Community Center, Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy, Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, and River Valley Crime Stoppers.