The City of Williams has selected Gregory James to be the next Chief of Police, replacing current Chief Tad Wygal who is retiring after 28 years at Williams P.D.
James is coming to Williams having served as a Supervisor in Yavapai County, and after a 25 year career with the Prescott Valley Police Department.
According to his biography on the Yavapai County website;
“James has been a resident of Yavapai County, District 2, for over 40 years. His entire career has been spent in service to his community and country.
Following graduation from Mayer High School in 1988, James entered the United States Air Force (USAF) as a Military Police Officer. During his 5-year military career he was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico and Osan Air Force Base in Korea.
After his Military Service, James began a career in Law Enforcement. He served 25 years with the Prescott Valley Police Department (PVPD). James was tasked with numerous duties with PVPD which included Patrol Lieutenant responsible for managing Patrol, K-9, and SWAT operations. He also supervised Criminal Investigations, Community Services, Support Services and PANT – a multi-agency drug task force in Yavapai County. A major highlight of James’ law enforcement career was graduating from the prestigious FBI National Academy in 2017. James retired from Prescott Valley Police Department in November 2020 and continues his service as a Reserve Lieutenant.
James and his wife Stacy just celebrated 30 years of marriage. They have two children, Brianna, and Tyler, and soon to be two grandchildren, all who reside in Arizona. Brianna is a nurse with Yavapai Regional Medical Center East Campus, and Tyler served 4 years in the USAF and is currently attending school to be a commercial helicopter pilot.
Since taking office in 2021 he has served as the Chairman of Yavapai County Board of Supervisors in 2023 and Chairman of Verde Valley Transportation Planning Organization (VVTPO) 2020 – present. Highlights of James term balance: Budget with no tax increases, pushed for improved compensation for county employees and advocated to keep the county rural.”
Gregory takes over a department that is fully staffed for the first time in years, and one that is eager to work with the new Chief.
James Gregory takes over the reigns of the department on Monday, January 27th.