Philip A. Bass was sworn in as chief of the Saint Albans Police Department during the city council meeting, with the oath administered in the council chambers and family members invited to participate.

Mayor (name not specified) introduced Bass and said he had lived in Saint Albans for 22 years and that the appointment came from promoting within the department. "I, Philip a Bass," Bass said as he took the oath, repeating the phrase "Do solemnly swear." The oath included support for the U.S. Constitution, the constitution of West Virginia and "the codified ordinances of the city of Saint Albans."

Council members and attendees offered congratulations and invited the public to a brief reception following the ceremony. Mayor (name not specified) said the new chief had been mentored by existing leadership in the department and that he expected continuity rather than major immediate changes under Bass's leadership.

The swearing-in was a ceremonial act recorded in the minutes; no formal council vote or ordinance was associated with the appointment at the meeting.