LC Council will vote on recommendation at Nov . 21 meeting

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter will recommend the City Council confirm Shawn Caldwell as the city’s next police chief, officials said in a news release on Friday.

Caldwell, an LCPD deputy chief, was chosen over Lt. Michel Pappillion, constable of Precinct 6 in Harris County, Texas; and Samuel Wyatt, director of investigations for Louisiana State University. Hunter made the decision after interviewing the applicants — who were submitted to him by an advisory panel in October — and reviewing their personnel records.

The council will vote to confirm Hunter’s recommendation at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 21 in the council chambers, 320 Pujo St. The meeting will be open to the public.

If confirmed, Caldwell will serve a six-year term and can be reappointed for additional terms.

Caldwell has worked for the department for 25 years. Hunter said in a statement that Caldwell’s vision is “built on solid relationships with the community and his desire to implement a number of new programs aimed at improving the department.”

Hunter thanked the advisory panel for making the selection process “very real and organic.” The panel narrowed the number of applicants from nine to three before Hunter interviewed them.

Current Chief Don Dixon is retiring on Jan. 15 after nearly 20 years of service.police chief