Mayor (name not specified), Mayor of Montgomery City, said on Jan. 7 that interim Police Chief Jim Gray Boyse has been named the city’s permanent police chief and that Jeremy Reed has been promoted to chief of staff.

The mayor opened a public safety update by saying homicides in 2024 fell nearly 20%, a decline the administration credits to collaborative work by law enforcement and community partners. He also said nonfatal shootings improved but said property crime rose about 5.8% in 2024 and remains an area for attention.

The mayor said, "Homicides decreased by nearly 20% in 2024. Around that 18.6, I guess, we're at 19% there with 14 less cases," and added, "One life that we lose...is one too many." He credited neighborhood watch programs and doorbell and surveillance camera participation for some of the positive trends.

On crowd safety, the mayor said the city will discuss additional precautions for downtown events and parades because of a nationwide increase in vehicle-based attacks. He said the city will work to "fortify these areas" for events and urged vigilance.

The mayor warned residents about winter fire risks after a pair of recent residential fires and urged basic safety measures: avoid overloading outlets or power strips; inspect cords and lights; keep space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable objects and turn them off when leaving a room or sleeping; and test smoke alarms monthly. He advised residents who need assistance to contact their nearest fire station or call 311.

The announcements and safety recommendations were delivered as informational items; the transcript records no formal council vote on the staffing decisions or new safety regulations during the meeting.

Mayor (name not specified) concluded the public safety update by saying the city will not "rest on this progress" but will continue to work on crime reduction and event safety preparations.