John Wallace Appointed Chief of Police by Mayor Bob Courtney

Wallace began his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer and crime scene investigator for the City of Madison Police Department.

Photo Courtesy of City of Madison

(Madison, Ind.) - Mayor Bob Courtney has appointed John Wallace as Chief of Police, and Ben McKay has been named Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Madison Police Department.

A 1987 graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Wallace began his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer and crime scene investigator for the City of Madison Police Department. He was promoted to detective and captain and, in 2007, was appointed chief.

During his 25 years of service with MPD, Wallace worked with federal and state agents to make a significant impact on illegal drug use in the community, advocated for children victimized by sexual crimes, re-implemented the DARE program, and created neighborhood block watch programs.

In 2010, Wallace was elected Jefferson County Sheriff. During his two terms, he led the charge on implementing a school resource officer program in the local schools and worked to establish mental health, narcotics, and GED programs in the county jail.

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity once again to serve the citizens of Madison as their police chief. I want to thank Mayor Courtney for his confidence in me to lead this group of outstanding men and women,” said Wallace. “I am committed to providing the best public service to the citizens of Madison and will strive for the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and effectiveness.”

McKay has served as interim police chief since January 20th and will resume his role as assistant chief once Wallace takes office on March 1st. 

McKay, a 2005 graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, has served his entire 15-year career with MPD and has earned the rank of major. He is the SWAT team commander and is trained in tactical leadership, water rescue, and fire and arson investigation. McKay is also a volunteer firefighter with Clifty 6 Fire and Rescue and is trained in hazmat operations and is an advanced emergency medical technician. 

 “I would like to thank the mayor and his staff for the opportunity to serve the police department and the citizens of Madison as the assistant chief of police. I look forward to helping Chief Wallace move the department into the future,” said Mckay.

“Strengthening our law enforcement presence, bringing much-needed resources to MPD, and assertively combating substance abuse issues through enforcement, prevention, and treatment are essential measures that must be taken to keep our community safe. The appointment of a chief and assistant chief with the same ideals is the first and most crucial step in ensuring we accomplish our goals,” said Mayor Courtney. “Wallace and McKay will make an excellent team to bring our vision of community safety, which will focus on training and rewarding our team of law enforcement professionals to a reality. I am grateful they both have agreed to serve our community in this capacity.”

The city received 68 resumes from across the country for the position of chief. After careful review of all candidates, four individuals, including Wallace and McKay, moved forward to final interviews with the Police Chief Selection Committee. The selection committee included Mayor Courtney, Board of Public Works & Safety member David Carlow, State Senator Jack Sandlin, and Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel.

“I appreciated the opportunity to be part of the interview panel for Madison’s police chief selection process. Mayor Courtney has made public safety improvement a major focus for the community. While there were several quality candidates in the process, I believe that the mayor has selected the right person at the right time. As a career law enforcement officer, I know that organizational change does not always come easy. However, I also understand that the officers will know this is an opportunity to grow the organization,” said Sandlin.