Ottawa names Mike Cheatham as its next police chief to succeed Brent Roalson

Ottawa Police Capt. Mike Cheatham will be the next Ottawa police chief.

Cheatham will assume his new role on Jan. 1, succeeding Chief Brent Roalson, who will retire after more than 28 years of service, the city of Ottawa said in a news release.

“Roalson’s leadership and commitment to the Ottawa community have been invaluable, and we extend our deepest gratitude for his service,” the joint release from Mayor Robb Hasty and Commissioner Tom Ganiere said. “We wish him all the best as he embarks on this next chapter of his life.”

Cheatham, who has been a part of Roalson’s police administration since 2018, will be sworn in as police chief during the Ottawa City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Ottawa City Hall, 301 W. Madison St.

“I’d like to thank the City Council for the opportunity and the trust in being their selection to the office of Chief of Police for the City of Ottawa,” Cheatham said Tuesday. “I am both humbled and honored to received their selection through the process. It’s a tremendous honor to serve the people of the community and the dedicated men and women of not only the Ottawa Police Department, but also Ottawa Central Dispatch.

“Tonight, I would like to congratulate Chief Roalson on a long, dedicated 28-year law enforcement career. He’s done a tremendous job. I think it’s every chief’s desire to leave the organization a better place than when he took over, and he has definitely done that.”

Roalson, who took over as chief in September 2012, said his time in the post has “been a blessing,” being given the opportunity to “work with so many good council members and the quality staff. They’ve done a great job.”

“I know that I’m turning things over to good hands,” Roalson said. “I have every faith in Mike’s ability and he’s going to be a great leader.”

Roalson said there is possibility he could return to the city administration, that he is a part of several law enforcement groups and boards that he does not intend to step away from, but added that he “doesn’t ice fish.”