11/21/2008
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today announced that Col. D.L. Lemmon will retire after serving nearly four years as superintendent of the West Virginia State Police. Lemmon submitted his resignation yesterday, and he said his retirement will be effective Dec. 31, 2008.
Gov. Manchin said that when he took office in 2005, Col. Lemmon stepped up from retirement to proudly serve the people of West Virginia again, after a distinguished career as a state police trooper. “Col. Lemmon has led the State Police through a number of positive changes, and his efforts have benefited the safety and security of our citizens, while improving the ranks of the troopers under his command.”
Under Lemmon’s watch, the State Police have stepped up law enforcement efforts, including nearly doubling drug arrests and seizures. Felony arrests in 2007 increased about 7,000 compared with 2004, while the 2008 marijuana eradication yielded 140,000 plants, compared with fewer than 50,000 in 2004. The State Police responded to 30,000 more calls in 2007 than in 2004, and two new units were formed to protect children.
Lemmon joined the governor in supporting methamphetamine legislation that has resulted in a nearly 67 percent drop in the number of clandestine labs in the state. Manchin and Lemmon supported legislation that dedicated some funding from 911 fees to improve State Police communications equipment.
State Police troopers also have received pay raises to bring their salaries to more competitive levels, and the “Plan B” program lowered the retirement age for troopers from 55 to 50. These programs are enhancing officer recruitment and retention, Lemmon said.
Lemmon thanked the governor and the citizens of West Virginia for the “honor and privilege” to serve the people of the state. “I have no doubt that the West Virginia State Police are the finest state troopers in the country. I have held the bar very high and the troopers have responded,” Lemmon said. “It is now time for this old trooper to rejoin the proud ranks of the retired members of the West Virginia State Police.”
The governor has not yet named Lemmon’s successor.
Contact Information
Lara Ramsburg
304-558-2000