CLAYTON, Ga. — The Clayton Police Department will welcome a new chief later this month as the city continues rebuilding stability within the agency following a period of leadership changes.
The Clayton City Council unanimously approved Kevin Marsteller as the city’s next police chief during its Aug. 11 meeting. Marsteller, a longtime Cornelia Police Department officer who currently serves as assistant chief, will begin work in Clayton Aug. 26.
Marsteller will work alongside outgoing Chief Michael Turner for three days before Turner’s resignation becomes effective Aug. 28, providing a transition period between the two chiefs. Turner leaves the department in good standing after taking over during a critical period for the agency and quickly working to stabilize its operations and move it forward.
City Manager Trudy Crunkleton credited Turner with accomplishing significant work during his relatively short tenure.
“We appreciate all the hard work Chief Mike Turner did in the short time he was here,” Crunkleton said. “He jumped in and did a tremendous job stabilizing the department and setting us on the right path.”
Crunkleton said the city wishes Turner well and hopes he remains connected to the Clayton community.
Change at the top
Turner’s departure brings another leadership change to a department that has experienced several during the past year. Marsteller will become Clayton’s third police chief in less than a year. Former Chief Andy Strait left the department, and former Assistant Chief John Michael Grist resigned following his demotion over his handling of a complaint filed against the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office.
Against that backdrop, city officials say Marsteller brings the leadership and policy experience and training needed to continue the progress made under Turner.
“We are so excited to welcome Kevin Marsteller as our new Chief,” Crunkleton said. “Kevin’s strong background, with strengths in policy setting and training, is going to be a huge asset to our department. He is exactly the right person to be leading our dedicated team going forward.”
Nearly three decades in law enforcement
Marsteller brings more than 26 years of law enforcement experience, most of it with the Cornelia Police Department.
He began his career with Toccoa Police in 1999, joined Oakwood Police in 2001 and moved to Cornelia in 2003. He has since served as patrol supervisor, criminal investigations commander, training officer, and assistant chief.
His experience includes department operations, personnel, budgeting and strategic planning, SWAT operations, active-shooter response, field training, and felony investigations.
“Kevin has a proven track record of always reaching higher and obtaining the experience, education and skills necessary to be a leader,” City Manager Trudy Crunkleton said.
Marsteller holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice and is a Georgia POST Level IV Master Instructor. He has completed more than 5,600 hours of POST-certified training and has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of North Georgia.
As he prepares to leave Cornelia, Marsteller said he is grateful for his years there and the welcome he has received in Clayton.
“I’m also very grateful for all the support I’ve received from both communities as I take on this position,” he said. “I truly appreciate the opportunity and the confidence that the City Council and City Manager have placed in me to serve as Chief and lead the Clayton Police Department.”
He said his first priority will be getting to know his officers and the community.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with this position, and I’m excited about the opportunity to serve the officers, the citizens, and the community as a whole,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting to work and earning the trust of the people we serve.”
Outside law enforcement, Marsteller participates in the Police Unity Tour and has served for approximately two decades as a certified child passenger safety technician and instructor. He is also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and instructor.
Marsteller is a husband, father of six, and grandfather of 12.
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