Seven months after taking the reins of the Newton Police Department, Acting Chief George McMains is set to have that role permanently.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller announced on Friday that she had chosen McMains to replace Chief John Carmichael Jr., who went on leave for personal reasons in April and announced in September that he wasn’t coming back.
“George McMains has just the right skills, experience, temperament, judgment and work ethic that our community and our police department need at this time,” Fuller wrote in her announcement, “and he is a man of integrity and a proven leader.”
McMains—a United States Marine who served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm—joined the Newton Police Department in 1997. He was promoted to superintendent of the department in 2022.
Fuller praised McMains’s focus on “fair, just, respectful, safe, and effective” community policing and quality-of-life issues within the villages.
“I know him well as a strong, quiet leader,” Fuller wrote. “I admire his listening skills, genuine curiosity, and ability to work well with community members from all walks of life. He is open and respectful of different viewpoints and opinions. I have seen firsthand that in times of crisis, confusion and controversy, he is calm, decisive and thoughtful. He has good judgment. He is mature. He is respected and liked by the officers and staff within the Newton Police Department. He cares deeply about his team and their wellness and effectiveness. He is not only a good leader but also a good person.”
The Police Selection Committee—comprised of City Councilor Tarik Lucas, Newton community leaders and law enforcement professionals both local and regional—had unanimously recommended McMains for the permanent role.
“They spoke of his ability, knowledge, talent, capability, trustworthiness, genuineness, dedication, reliability, institutional knowledge and collaborative nature. As one of the members of the Committee said, George even raises puppies to be service dogs,” Fuller continued.
McMains will need approval from the City Council, and he’ll meet with them later this month, the Newton Police Department noted in a Facebook post announcing the decision.