As he wraps up his tenure, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade leaves behind a transformed department: violent crime reduced, staffing levels rebuilt and officers equipped with enhanced resources and training.
On Aug. 26, Wade announced his resignation as police chief after a Jackson City Council meeting, citing that stress had taken a toll on him. Wade also revealed the pressures of the role had affected not only him but his family. Wade said he considered stepping down as early as February.
According to Wade, community members and fellow officers alike pleaded with him to stay. For Wade, their pleas were a clear sign that he was leaving the city and its police department in a better state than when he arrived…