WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — Westerville City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Holly Murchland as the new chief of police, the first woman in the city’s history to hold the position.
Murchland isn’t necessarily new to the role — she’s been acting chief of police since last November after former chief Charles Chandler officially retired earlier this year.
“I’m very honored, very humbled to be given this opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” Murchland said. “It’s filled with just great people and it’s a great community.”
Murchland has been with the Westerville Police Department for six years. During that time, she’s been the assistant chief of police. While she says being the first woman chief is an honor, this isn’t new to her.
“I was the first lieutenant, the first agency that I worked for; I’ve been the first assistant chief command officer here, so I understand the importance of that,” Murchland said. “And again, being the first, I just want to make sure I’m not the last.”
Murchland is a 32-year law enforcement veteran. As she officially takes on this new role, she’s looking to grow the department alongside the city’s expected growth.
“We do have our own training academy,” she said. “We’re looking to expand training opportunities internally and externally, bring people in here again. We have been blessed with this wonderful new facility and we want to use it.”
Murchland realizes this announcement comes at a difficult time. Just last week, there were three shootings that put officers in harm’s way in central Ohio.
“Our hearts go out to Morrow County, to Mifflin Township, to Marysville,” she said. “It’s a terrible thing. It’s a tragedy and we do our very best to prevent it as much as we can. Again, we want to make sure that we’re honoring all of those that have given the ultimate sacrifice.”
Westerville police has a staff of more than 100 employees, including 80 sworn officers. Murchland said she, along with the officers, take their role seriously in ensuring the safety of the community.
Murchland will be officially sworn in later this month.
