Humboldt Police Department Gets New Chief
HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — A new police chief takes over the Humboldt Police Department for the first time in more than a decade. Rob Ellis officially took over the department June 1. “I’ve never learned so much in such a short period of time and realized I have so much more to learn,” Chief Rob Ellis said. Wednesday marked Ellis‘ first full day on the job. “I want the community to know that we’re there to help them, so we need their help,” he said. Ellis has approximately 26 years of law enforcement experience. He started with the Humboldt Police Department as a patrol officer in 1988, then worked his way up. Ellis hopes to bridge the gap between police and the public. “I would like them to trust us and know hey that if you call confidentially, hey, we’ll keep it that way,” he said. Some citizens welcome the change. “I think it’s been a long time coming,” Peggy Mellow, of Humboldt, said. Mellow believes the new chief will do a good job for the city. “We’re at a place in Humboldt where we need change and I think Rob Ellis is gonna do it,” she said. The chief admits the new title comes with challenges. “I had no clue the amount of paperwork that a chief of police has to do on a daily basis,” said Ellis. “It‘s coming together you know. I‘m kind of learning a little bit at a time.” Ellis says the former chief retired after holding the position for about 16 years. Ellis served as interim chief before officially taking over as permanent chief.
