Starting on December 1st, the Lake Land College Police Department will have a new Chief of Police and the new Chief is a familiar face.
Last week, Mattoon Police Chief Jeff Branson was appointed as the new Chief of Police for Lake Land College. We recently spoke with Chief Branson and asked him about the appointment. According to Branson, he applied for the job two weeks ago when he heard that current Chief of Police, Randy Ervin, was retiring. Branson, who has served on the Mattoon Police Department for 28 and a half years, stated his excitement to begin the position and his first plan after starting the position, which is to become acclimated with the students, staff, and school policy.
Since Branson is leaving the Mattoon Police Department for the new position, the City of Mattoon will need a new Chief of Police. According to Branson, he anticipates the likelihood that the Deputy Chief will be made into Chief; however, that decision is up to the Mattoon Mayor and City Council.
Chief Branson will be the second Police Chief that Lake Land College has had, as Chief Ervin helped develop the Police Department. Listen below for the full interview with Chief Branson.