Mayor Reid announced that Interim Police Chief Jim Gray Boyse has been named Montgomery’s permanent police chief and credited department leadership and community partners for recent reductions in violent crime.

Reid said homicide cases fell by “nearly 20% in 2024,” which he quantified in the meeting as about 14 fewer cases. He cautioned that property crime rose about 5.8%–6% in 2024 and urged residents to use neighborhood watch programs, the StarWatch system and home security cameras to help prevent thefts.

“Those things are still work in progress, but we are certainly appreciative of the work that so many have done in this city,” Mayor Reid said, adding that the city will not become complacent about crime trends.

Reid also announced that Jeremy Reed’s interim title as chief of staff has been removed and that Reed now serves as Montgomery’s chief of staff. Reid said Reed “has served as citizens of Montgomery over the last 4 months” and highlighted staff progress under his leadership.

The mayor turned part of his remarks to seasonal risks after reporting the crime figures. He warned residents about winter fire hazards and listed safety steps: avoid overloading outlets, inspect cords and lights, keep space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable material and test smoke alarms monthly. He said residents who need assistance should contact their nearest fire station or call 311.

Reid closed the public-safety portion by saying the city will hold further conversations about fortifying downtown event areas against vehicle-based attacks and other threats raised nationwide.

The announcements and statistics were presented as part of the mayor’s message; no formal vote to appoint Chief Gray Boyse was recorded in the transcript.