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Blacksburg council welcomes new police chief John Clare
Summary
The Blacksburg Town Council formally introduced John Clare as the town's new police chief and gave him an opportunity to address the council and audience. Clare summarized his prior leadership roles and said he looks forward to working with the community.
Police Chief John Clare was introduced and welcomed at the June 25 Blacksburg Town Council meeting.
Mayor (not named in transcript) said the council wanted to welcome the new chief and summarized Clare’s background, including prior service as chief in Marion, Virginia, and Quantico, Virginia. Mayor (not named in transcript) said, “It’s great pleasure that he, is our new police chief, and I’ll give him a few minutes at the mic.”
Clare thanked the council for the appointment and described his impressions of the department and community. He said, “I can’t, tell you how much I appreciate your selection of me as chief of police. Incredible opportunity to come to this community.” He reviewed his prior experience in Marion, where the transcript states he oversaw a $2,100,000 budget and a team of 22 sworn officers and reported a 35% reduction in overall crime under his leadership.
Clare also summarized other elements of his background that he mentioned at the meeting: launch of community engagement programs focused on local and regional media, youth and vulnerable populations; initiatives in officer wellness and career development; previous service in Quantico described as “instrumental in restoring organizational integrity and launching a new public safety…initiatives;” and completion of recent graduate leadership programs, including a master’s degree in executive leadership and attendance at the UVA Sorensen political leaders program.
The council moved on to the consent agenda after the brief remarks; no formal hiring vote or appointment motion was made on the public record during this agenda item, and the welcome was presented as an introductory, ceremonial statement rather than a formal personnel action.
