DeKalb County has officially appointed a new police chief, as announced by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson yesterday. Greg Padrick, who has been serving as interim chief since the departure of former Chief Mirtha Ramos in February, will now take on the role full-time. Ramos was the county’s first female police chief and had been instructed to step down, with no official explanation for the decision provided. Atlanta News First reported on the development, highlighting Padrick's extensive experience within the department and veteran status from his time in the Marine Corps.
Padrick's tenure with the DeKalb County Police Department spans nearly three decades, during which he has served in various units including Homicide, Auto Theft, Narcotics, and High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, among others. Greg Padrick also has a background in internal affairs, offering him a well-rounded perspective of department operations. According to a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, Padrick expressed he was "deeply honored" to continue serving the residents and commended the department's personnel for their professionalism and integrity.
"Chief Padrick brings an extraordinary depth of experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety," were the words of CEO Cochran-Johnson in a statement praising the new appointment. She expressed confidence that Padrick's leadership would further the goals of police excellence, innovation, transparency, and community-centered policing—a vision reported by both FOX 5 Atlanta and Atlanta News First.
The transition comes following an incident overseen by Padrick outside the CDC campus, where tragedy struck with the death of Officer David Rose. As the department navigates this period of change, Padrick's history with the department, which includes graduation from the FBI National Academy and the Southern Police Institute's Chief Executive Leadership Course, signals a move forward to embrace innovation while maintaining safety, as conveyed by FOX 5 Atlanta.
