City of Picayune announces new Chief of Police

The new Chief of Police for the City of Picayune was announced on Monday and he is a familiar person to Picayune.

After the retirement announcement from Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey, City Manager Jim Luke began the search for a new Chief of Police. After several interviews from within the City as well as from other areas, Mr. Luke found who believes will be the best fit for Picayune. Freddy Drennan was sworn in as the new Police Chief on Monday morning and will begin the transition process immediately.

Chief Drennan is a Picayune native and a graduate of Picayune Memorial High School. He began his law enforcement career in 1970 with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office achieving the rank of Chief of Detectives before moving back home and serving as Police Chief of Picayune in 1989. Chief Drennan held the position in Picayune until 1996. Drennan then went back to work for the St Tammany Sheriffs Office.

In 2002, Drennan was elected as the Chief of Police for Slidell, LA., having been elected twice unopposed and serve the two terms, which is the term limit for Slidell. In 2010, Drennan ran for Mayor of Slidell and was elected and served two terms.

After completing his second term, Drennan chose to retire from public service, but the desire to serve and continue working in law enforcement never left him and he is now ready to accept the role of Chief of Police for the City of Picayune once again.

“I ran into Chief Dawsey and he told me he was going to be retiring and once I found out he had put in for his retirement, I contacted Mr. Luke and told him that if he was interested in an old worn out police chief, I’d be interested,” Drennan explained with a smile.

Drennan said he applied for the job after speaking with Mr. Luke, and went through the interview process and afterwards he received a call from Luke offering the job.

“I told him (Luke) I’d be very honored to take the job.”

Drennan said he was very fortunate because he was able to pursue a childhood dream by spending forty years in law enforcement, fifteen of those as a chief. He said that he feels like he still has something to offer.

Drennan says his philosophy on law enforcement is based on three things: accountability, professionalism, and training.

“My goal is to make Picayune the best police department in the state of Mississippi,” Drennan stated.

A public swearing in ceremony will be held during the regular council meeting on Nov 3rd.