The pioneer settlement of Jacktown was the first to spring up on the west side of the Wabash River in what is now known as the City of West Lafayette. The town of Kingston was platted in the April of 1855 and was a four square to the northwest of Jacktown. 

In January of 1860 the town of Chauncy was platted between Jacktown and Kingston. By 1866 members of all communities and several surrounding ones met to organize and incorporate into the Town of Chauncy.

By 1874 the town started employing law enforcement in the form of town marshals to protect the members of the community. In 1923 Chauncy petitioned to have their name changed and be incorporated into a city with elected officials and on June 24, 1924 it became known as the City of West Lafayette and the first official police chief was put into place.

Below are the names of those brave men and women who have protected this city and retired from the police department.

Town Marshals 1874-1923

Police Chiefs

Retired Officers

 David E. Lord 2001 - 2021                         Jeffery A. Kirby 1998 - 2022

Retired Civilians  

Nancy J. Roberts 1968-1993          Larry E. Heath 1978-2000       John H. King 2001-2016

Jacob E. West 1965-1996                Edward L. Smith 2000-2014    Myrna J. Cowger 1971-1997

Kathryn A. Mcintosh 2001-2016