by Wesley Harris
The City of Ruston is searching for a new police chief after Steve Rogers announced his impending retirement.
Rogers, who has been RPD chief for approximately 17 years, told a number in local law enforcement late in 2024 that his retirement will be official February 21, according to sources. Others privately told the Lincoln Parish Journal they were caught unaware the process was already in motion when testing for the job was posted by civil service.
Rogers confirmed to the Lincoln Parish Journal Tuesday that it was time to retire, joking, “I’m getting old” and that it was time to spend more time with his grandchildren.
Since the job is a competitive civil service position, those interested in the position must take and pass a written examination to be placed on an eligibility list. Testing is administered by the Louisiana Municipal Police and Fire Civil Service System.
The website for the system posted an announcement of testing for Ruston chief of police on November 20. The posting, which provided a link to the application, closed December 20.
In the past when the police chief position was vacant, the written test was scheduled a few weeks after the application period closed. Once the test is administered, the city typically has received test scores within 30 days.
Mayor Ronny Walker said Tuesday he is awaiting the test scores, but noted state office closures because of weather might delay them. Once the scores are received, he will interview candidates.
“We hope to have someone in place before [Rogers] retires,” Walker said, but noted the process can’t proceed until the test scores are received.
“If we have to name an interim [chief], that’s what we will do,” Walker said.
“We hope all of them pass the test,” the mayor said of the applicants.
The local civil service board must also approve the applicants as meeting minimum qualifications for the job, Walker said.
Walker said he will interview candidates, but the hiring decision is made by a vote of the city council.
The Journal has learned approximately eight internal and external candidates took the exam. At least one external candidate is a former RPD officer.
When asked what he might be looking for in a new chief, Walker said, “In today’s world, you don’t have many people applying to be police officers. We need someone who is willing to think outside the box totally when it comes to recruiting.”
Walker said Ruston is a great city with decent salaries for police officers so the police department should be an attractive prospect for individuals seeking a law enforcement position.
The mayor also cited the need for the new chief to be someone whose past experiences show he or she has the ability to lead RPD.
“I’m also looking for someone who can think outside the box when it comes to how we police in today’s world,” he said. “Let’s face it, 2025 is totally different from 1995.”
Rogers said, “I’ve been chief 17 years, been with the city 20 years, and in policing for 37 years,” noting he had been contemplating the decision for some time.
When asked about his future plans, Rogers said, “Take it easy, visit with my grandkids, do things time wouldn’t allow me to do before.”
Scott Boatright and Malcolm Butler contributed to this report.
