Mayor Donna Hoffoss and the Dixie Inn Board of Alderman welcomed new Chief of Police Jeff McNeill to the job Thursday afternoon. Pictured are (bottom row) Chief McNeill and Mayor Hoffoss; and (back row from left) aldermen Judy McKenzie, Nell Finlay, and Lance Milligan.
By Marilyn Miller
Jeffrey W. McNeill was unanimously appointed fulltime chief of police for the Village of Dixie Inn during a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen Thursday afternoon, Aug. 22, 2024.
“This will be a full-time position,” said Mayor Donna Hoffoss, “That way he can give the Village 100 percent of himself. And he’s got the training and the education.”
“I want to thank you all,” Chief McNeill, who attended the afternoon meeting with his family, stated. “I just pray that I do you justice.”
Alderman Lance Milligan, who nominated McNeill, said that he was “very impressed with your interview. About the Board’s decision to go with a full-time position, he added that it would “really be a challenge” for a chief to do an adequate job on a part-time basis.
Chief McNeill is Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified, SWAT certified, State-certified as an Emergency Medical Responder, and trained in Fire Investigations. He is also a Field Training officer.
Chief McNeill began his career in law enforcement with the Ringgold Police Department, which he served as a patrol officer from January 2010 until November 2012. From November 2012 until October 2022, Chief McNeill worked for the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Ken Bailey. He was a patrol officer for the parish, and answered all 911 and non-911 calls.
He went to work for the Haynesville Police Department in November of 2022 as a patrol sergeant and head training officer. He trained all new employees, and also answered all 911 and non-911 calls.
He is a graduate of Minden High School and the University of Phoenix. Chief McNeill is married to Brandi McNeill, who is assistant director of Minden’s Physicians Practices. They have two children, Faith and Bryson. The McNeills now reside in Heflin.
“Chief McNeill has good character, 100 percent good character. That’s what sold me on him,” said Alderman Judy McKenzie.
New Chief of Police Jeff McNeill and his family were welcomed to the Village of Dixie Inn Police Department on Thursday. Pictured are (back row from left) Chief McNeill, wife Brandi McNeill; (front row from left) children Faith and Bryson McNeill. (Photos by Marilyn Miller)