WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Coleman and McNulty Confirmed to lead police and fire departments

Coleman and McNulty Confirmed to lead police and fire departments

By Roslyn Anderson - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr.'s nominees for police and fire chiefs are familiar faces that were both approved by city leaders.

Rebecca Coleman will head Jackson's police force while Raymond McNulty returns to lead the fire department.

Both nominees were confirmed in identical five to one votes with Ward One Councilman Jeff Weill Sr. in opposition.

Fifty seven year old Rebecca Coleman realized a career dream and becomes the second woman to lead the state's largest police force.

He completed the Jackson Police Academy in 1974, one of two African American women in the class.

Coleman was confronted with questions about her qualifications by Weill.

He also expressed concern about not having enough time to learn about both nominees.

"I wouldn't hire a secretary with only having six minutes or eight minutes to sit down and talk to that person and i'm concerned that there are many things i need to ask you," said Weill.  

Ward Two Councilman Chokwe Lumumba wanted Coleman's guarantee that command staff would not suffer retaliation following his Sunday meeting where many residents supported Tyrone Lewis as chief.  

The Simpson county native has headed the Jackson State University Department of Public Safety since 1998.

The 35 year law enforcement officer plans to improve morale, more police visibility and assess the current staff.

"I want the citizens of jackson to hold the police department accountable for our actions. Consistency, making sure that they are getting the level of services that they feel they should from the police department, that's what I intend to do," said new Police Chief Rebecca Coleman.

Fifty nine year old Raymond McNulty returns as Jackson's fire chief.

He joined the Jackson Fire Department in 1974 and worked his way up through the ranks.

The Vietnam veteran leaves the Mississippi Department of Corrections as Fire Chief and Safety Director to resume his position in the capital city's fire department.

Lumumba questioned him about a sexual harrassment lawsuit that was filed against several firefighters during his previous term as chief.

McNulty vowed zero tolerance for harrassment and said he will consider utilizing the talents of the man he replaces, Former Chief Vernon Hughes.  

"We will get back to training and training is a part of the process and when I say training I'm talking about fighting fire. I'm talking about training for the opportunity for the guys to learn how to take the leadership role, give them an opportunity to go to the national fire academy," said McNulty shortly after being confirmed.

While pleased with the confirmation the mayor is bothered by Councilman Weill's demands.  

"Councilman Weill actually issued me an ultimatum. He told me before this vote that he would not vote for them unless he had a private meeting that's outside of the confines of the procedure," said Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr.  

Both officially begin their terms Wednesday.

Ward Three Councilman Kenneth Stokes did not attend the confirmation hearings.