Saint Albans swears in new police chief Philip Bass during council meeting

In a spirited gathering at St. Albans City Hall, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the city welcomed its new Chief of Police, Philip Bass. Mayor Scott James, reflecting on his decade-long tenure, expressed his confidence in Bass, who has been a resident of St. Albans for 22 years. The swearing-in ceremony was a moment of pride, as Bass pledged to uphold the constitutions of both the United States and West Virginia, along with the city’s ordinances.

As Bass took the oath, the room filled with applause, and the camaraderie among council members was palpable. “I’m excited to work with council,” Bass remarked, acknowledging the strong leadership he has experienced during his time in the department. His commitment to continuity was clear, as he assured residents that they would see “a good job” being done without drastic changes.

The meeting also highlighted community spirit, with council members expressing gratitude for the recent fireworks show organized by Maranatha Church, which brought joy to many residents during the Fourth of July celebrations. Mayor James noted the importance of collaborating with neighboring Nitro for a larger fireworks display on Labor Day, emphasizing the city’s commitment to providing enjoyable events for its citizens.

In addition to celebrations, the council addressed local sports achievements, with recognition given to the girls' team heading to the state championship in Hedgesville. The community's support for its young athletes was evident, as council members encouraged residents to rally behind the team.

The meeting concluded with a nod to the hard work of city employees, particularly in maintaining public spaces and addressing community concerns. As the council members shared light-hearted moments and personal anecdotes, it was clear that the sense of community in St. Albans remains strong, with a shared commitment to progress and unity.

As residents left the meeting, many were drawn to the promise of cupcakes and coffee, a sweet end to a day filled with hope and new beginnings for the city.