Troy Weaver sworn in as Lexington's new police chief, replacing Brett Pauley

LEXINGTON — It didn't take long for Troy Weaver to realize he wanted to be a police officer.

After graduating from Ontario High School in 1995, Weaver tried such jobs as construction and landscaping. After about a year, he knew those jobs weren't for him.

"I just pursued what I dreamed about and went with it," Weaver said.

He dreamed about a career in law enforcement, went to North Central State College, and now he's reached the pinnacle of his profession.

Weaver was sworn in Thursday as the new chief for the Lexington Police Department. He is a veteran of the department, serving since 1999. Weaver had been the department's captain for the past 11 years.

"That was more of an administrative-type role," he said of being the No. 2.

Chief Brett Pauley retired after 31 years with department

Weaver replaces Chief Brett Pauley, who retired after 31 years with Lexington. Pauley spent the past 20 years as chief.

"It means a lot," Weaver said of the appointment. "When I started interviewing for the job, they always asked me what I would change about the department. Honestly, there's not a whole lot to change."

Lexington Mayor Brian White said he chose to go within the department for the next chief.

"I made the selection and took it to council," White said.

Four Lexington council members attended Thursday's swearing-in ceremony in council chambers, along with Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson, himself a former police officer.

"I wish we had this many people show up for council," White quipped before administering the oath of office to Weaver.

Lexington Police Department has been stable in administration

White noted the stability in the village's police department.

"I don't get to do this very often, which is a good thing in the police business," the mayor said.

Weaver, 46, told the crowd, which included his wife and daughter, that he appreciated the support through the years.

"It's an exciting time for myself, my wife, two sons and my daughter," the new chief said.

White said he made the selection based on two factors, Weaver's experience and his leadership skills.

"In a small department, you get to experience everything," the mayor said. "He knows all the pieces."

As far as Weaver's leadership, White pointed out that the new chief always filled in when Pauley was absent.

"He ran the show," White said.

Weaver is one of 10 officers in the department. He said he would like to hire two more officers in the next six months.

Both Weaver and White acknowledged the challenges of hiring new officers.

"Police and firefighters are the biggest challenge for any municipality," White said. "In the old days, we used to have a lot of part-timers."

Weaver added, "It's difficult. We just have to keep looking. Everybody else is in the same boat.

"It's just hard to get officers. It's not a path people are taking anymore."

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

Twitter: @MarkCau32059251

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Lexington Police Department hires Troy Weaver as new chief