Winchester accepts Chief James Hall's retirement; promotes Travis Thompson to police chief

The Winchester City Commission voted to accept the retirement of Police Chief James Hall, effective Jan. 31, 2025, and promoted Travis Thompson from police sergeant to police chief effective Feb. 1, 2025.

The retirement order was moved by Commissioner Kitty Strode and seconded by Commissioner Joe Chenault; the commission approved the order by voice vote. The promotion of Sergeant Travis Thompson to police chief was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Mayor Reid read the retirement order and praised Chief Hall’s service, calling him “a tremendous leader and an asset to this community.” Following the formal motions, the commission held a pinning and photo ceremony for Chief Thompson with his family and department officers in attendance.

Travis Thompson addressed the commission and the audience, thanking family, department leaders and past mentors. He said he was grateful for the commission’s confidence and pledged to continue building the department. Thompson acknowledged retired Chief Kevin Palmer and other department leaders as influences on his career and said he planned to meet individually with officers in the coming weeks to discuss careers and department goals.

The commission’s actions were procedural orders placed on the meeting agenda and approved by voice vote. No additional conditions or implementation dates beyond the effective dates stated in the orders were recorded in the meeting minutes.

Looking ahead, the commission and department leaders said they expect the transition to be implemented administratively on the dates stated in the orders.