MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry city council was standing room only as Sgt. Vincent West was sworn into office as the city’s new police chief.

West was named interim police chief immediately after former police chief Jerry Murphy retired on Oct. 3.

Mayor John Davies swore West in during Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Davies began by saying that swearing West in was a full circle moment for him personally. West’s father, Ben West, appointed Davies as the city’s street superintendent when Ben West was the city’s service director many years ago.

West’s father also served as a police officer in Martins Ferry for more than 30 years which is what he said inspired him to enter into the world of law enforcement.

He joined Martins Ferry Police Department in 2005 as a part-time officer until becoming a full-time officer in 2013. In 2023 he became a sergeant.

West was sworn in alongside his father Ben West and wife Katherine West.

After being sworn in the crowd of residents gathered in council’s chambers started chanting “speech,” which West initially declined but eventually relented.

He thanked council for the opportunity to allow him to follow a long line of police chiefs that the city has had over the years. He then said that he plans to keep an open-door policy with his office and his biggest goal is to be cracking down on juvenile crime within the city.

“There were 33 juvenile complaints last month. That’s a lot. I mean, we’re dealing with these kids and trying to take care of them, but it’s a work in progress,” West said. “But I do want to keep everyone informed. So if you ever have any questions or anything, please come in and just ask. I got an open door. Anyone here is welcome to come whenever.”

Council member Melissa Yeso asked West if he could elaborate on what the juvenile complaints were. He replied that the World War II monument at the city park was recently vandalized. Martins Ferry police found the juveniles responsible and it is being dealt with through the courts, but the city is aiming to hold the juveniles’ families responsible financially.

He then said that RH Smoke Shop which recently opened in the former Z Jewelry storefront was recently robbed.

“Basically it was a smash and grab. They threw a brick through the window and took close to $9,000 worth of stuff,” West said. “We had a suspect that night and caught them the next day. Now we have two confessions and are working on another guy.”

He applauded his officers’ ability to apprehend the suspects as quickly as they did.

“They’re really doing a good job, so I do hope we can all support them in everything that they do,” West said.

He added that the two juveniles that were apprehended were both Martins Ferry residents.

Following West’s speech, council president Kristine Davis informed council that council clerk Kay McFarlan is not able to attend the Nov. 19 council meeting and asked if council wished if it would like to make a motion to cancel the Nov. 19 meeting.

Council member Suzanne Armstrong made a motion to cancel the Nov. 19 meeting but added that in the instance of any pending business that council could have the option to reschedule the meeting.

Her motion was seconded by council member Rick Rogers and voted in favor by all members of council.