Clayton names new police chief

R.W. Bridges has been serving as interim chief for the last two months following former Chief Glen Allen’s appointment as the head of State Capitol Police.

Bridges began with the department in 1998 as an officer and has worked his way through the ranks, officials said.

“We have worked for many years to develop our in-house staff to meet ever increasing responsibilities,” Town Manager Steve Biggs said in a statement. “Capt. Bridges has shown a sustained interest and effort to meet the demands of increasing responsibility. He has effectively led the department and also developed a very impressive physical aptitude test to encourage the fitness and health of his officers. He will make a fine chief.”

Bridges is credited with forming the department’s first SWAT team and spearheading the department’s international accreditation status.

“It’s a distinct honor to be appointed to lead an organization with this level of professionalism and dedication,” Bridges said in a statement. “The men and women of the Clayton Police are indicative of the very best qualities in public service, and I look forward to working with each of them to improve upon an already outstanding department.”