Roman takes office, sworn in as Lexington police chief

LEXINGTON, Va. – After more than a year without permanent leadership in the Lexington Police Department, the city has a new police chief on the job. 

Samuel Roman Jr. was officially sworn into office Monday. Roman has 25 years of experience in law enforcement and retired from the Roanoke City Police Department as a deputy chief. 

The chief says he's ready to start a new chapter in his career and continue engaging with the community, something he says the Lexington Police Department is already good at doing.

"Throughout this state, there are many police chief jobs that are open but I just wasn't looking for a job. I was looking for something I can be committed to and the Lexington police family just seems like the right fit. In fact, Lexington was the only place in which I applied to become chief of police," said Roman

Roman said he went through an extensive process before being selected for the job.

The former Lexington police chief, Al Thomas, left to become the police chief in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

Mark Riley served as interim police chief since May 6, 2016. He will become the deputy chief.