Ferguson named next West Lafayette police chief. A Q&A

Capt. Adam Ferguson, a 24-year member of the West Lafayette Police Department after starting as a dispatcher, will replace Troy Harris, who retired as chief in December.

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CAPT. ADAM FERGUSON NAMED NEXT WL POLICE CHIEF. A Q&A

Adam Ferguson, captain of patrol and a 24-year member of the West Lafayette Police Department, will be the city’s next police chief, Mayor Erin Easter announced Friday.

Ferguson will replace Troy Harris, who retired on Dec. 13 after nearly six years as chief and 27 years with the West Lafayette Police Department.

“Over the past month, we have evaluated several candidates for our next chief of police through input from past and current leadership, the entire police department, the public and our partner agencies,” Easter said in a release Friday. “Adam Ferguson’s vision for the future of the West Lafayette Police Department continues our tradition of excellence in policing. As our next chief, I know that Adam will lead the department the way our city expects and with the integrity West Lafayette demands.”

Adam Ferguson (Photo: WLPD)

Ferguson, a Goshen native, joined the West Lafayette Police Department in 2001, working his way through the ranks and has been part of the department’s Special Response Team. He and Amanda, his wife, live in West Lafayette with their three children. Outside the department, he’s vice president of the board with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette and as the law enforcement liaison for Special Olympics of Tippecanoe County.

His starting date hadn’t been set, as of Friday. Though, the city promised at Facebook Live Q&A with Ferguson to introduce him to the community as chief.

Here’s a conversation with Ferguson Friday morning, shortly after his appointment was announced.

Question: What made you want to take this plunge?

Adam Ferguson: Roller coaster doesn’t really even define it. The short answer, I guess, is a sense a duty I feel to this whole profession. I felt like I was called to serve, and this position is no different. If this is my way that I can contribute, then that's what I want to do.

Question: What was your pitch to Mayor Easter about putting you in that position?