Mt. Pleasant Police Capt. Paul Lauria has been named the City’s Director of Public Safety and Police Chief. Lauria will succeed longtime public safety leader Glenn Feldhauser after his retirement in February.

Lauria was selected for the position following an internal search process consisting of multiple panel interviews with community and city leaders. “Throughout the search process, I heard tremendous support for Paul from City staff, his prior supervisors and those involved in the interviews,” said City Manager Nancy Ridley. “I am confident Paul’s abilities and commitment to the City of Mt. Pleasant make him the ideal candidate for this role. Our community will be served well by him.”

Lauria began his career with the City of Mt. Pleasant as a patrol officer nearly 20 years ago. Since then, his skills and dedication propelled him through the ranks of the police department, serving as a detective, lieutenant and most recently, captain.

In early 2016, his exemplary reputation lead him to Quantico, VA, where he attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy. Lauria was one of 230 law enforcement officers from 31 different countries chosen to take part in the prestigious ten-week academy designed to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies. In addition to participating in specialized trainings and fitness challenges, Lauria completed a number of graduate classes covering leadership in law and personal development. He graduated from the program in March 2016.

As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, Lauria said he’s honored and excited for the opportunity to “continue the great service and professionalism the Division of Public Safety provides everyone living and visiting the City of Mt. Pleasant.” Lauria is also looking forward to making an impact on the community on a much larger scale. “I’m always looking for ways to improve,” he said. “I want our residents to know I welcome their input and want them to feel comfortable making suggestions, criticisms or asking questions about what is important to them.”

“I want our residents to know I welcome their input and want them to feel comfortable making suggestions, criticisms or asking questions about what is important to them.” -Lauria

Lauria praises his family, friends, coworkers and colleagues for their support and guidance throughout his career. “This has been a goal of mine since I began working in law enforcement,” he said. “I am very thankful to all of the people who have had a role in making this achievement possible.”

The community is invited to attend a public reception for Lauria at City Hall on Monday, Feb. 13 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. After, the City Commission will hold their regular meeting at 7 p.m.

The City Commission has approved an ordinance amendment prohibiting waste haulers from collecting refuse before 7 a.m. and after 8 p.m. in residential zones and commercial properties adjacent to residential zones that have dwelling units.

The commission began considering the action last fall after residents raised concerns about the noise and disruption caused by garbage trucks emptying dumpsters during the early-morning hours. The ordinance change will go into effect for one year beginning Feb. 23. In February 2018, the commission will evaluate its success.

Waste haulers may apply for an exception to collect refuse before 7 a.m. for business necessity, scheduling or dumpster location reasons. The DPW director will approve or deny the request based on factors cited in the application and public input.

If approved, the exception will last for one year. Residents within 300 feet of the dumpster will be notified and may appeal to the City Commission for reconsideration. If the request is denied, the applicants may also appeal to the City Commission for reconsideration. The decision of the City Commission is final.

For additional information, please call Public Works at (989) 779-5401.