HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Joe Ciccarelli, a retired FBI special agent who got his start with the Huntington Police Department, was tapped as the city’s next police chief Monday.
Huntington Mayor Steve Williams announced the hiring of Ciccarelli, who has served in law enforcement for 36 years.
“Joe Ciccarelli understands our city, our opportunities and our challenges,” Williams said in a release. “He is equipped to move our police department forward immediately. His career path is familiar to me. He began his career here and advanced through the ranks to the highest levels of his given profession, all the while having an eye on coming home.”
Most of Ciccarelli’s career has involved working with the FBI, which he joined in 1984.
“I hope to translate the experience I’ve gained in various assignments throughout my career into positive results for the police department and the city,” he said. “The brave men and women of the Huntington Police Department deserve the best leadership possible and all my efforts will be directed toward seeing that they get that every day.”
The hire was applauded Monday by U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.
“I have known and worked with Joe Ciccarelli for many years during his time as a special agent with the FBI,” Goodwin said. “He has long been a leader in the law enforcement community in southern West Virginia. Joe has a unique ability to bring agencies together in pursuit of a common goal. Mayor Williams made a great choice.”
Goodwin announced a $100,000 federal crime fighting grant for the city Monday.
Ciccarelli said he hopes to continue the momentum in the department started by former chief Skip Holbrook and chief Jim Johnson who has served while the search process has taken place.
Ciccarelli began his career with HPD in 1978.
A public ceremony introducing Ciccarelli is scheduled for noon Tuesday at the Huntington Police Department.