By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Lundy sworn in as Guyton police chief
lundy sworn in
Former Statesboro Police officer Kelphie Lundy receives the oath of office as Guyton Police chief from his mother Wanda Lundy at the March 10 Guyton City Council meeting. - photo by Photo by Pat Donahue

Guyton’s new police chief isn’t a newcomer to the city’s streets.

Statesboro Police veteran Kelphie Lundy was introduced March 10 as chief of the city’s law enforcement. His first day on the job was March 2.

Lundy started with the Statesboro department in January 2000 and six months later, went to work for the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office under then-sheriff Jay Space. When the Guyton police chief became available late last year, it drew Lundy’s interest.

“I thought, ‘I wouldn’t mind going back over there,’” he said.

Lundy spent a year and a half with the ECSO before returning to the Statesboro Police Department, where he served for 13 years and three months under Chief Stan York and Public Safety Director Wendell Turner.

“Through my career as a police officer, I have accomplished several personal and professional goals,” Lundy said. “I’m not saying I haven’t struggled from time to time, but while enduring these struggles, it has made me a better individual and a better police officer.”

The city had a pool of about six or seven finalists, Mayor Michael Garvin said, and interviewed four candidates. Garvin said he liked Lundy’s plan for community-oriented policing.

“I like his community approach and his vision for the community,” Garvin said.

In Statesboro, the police department has more than 70 sworn officers. Lundy will have a force of three for Guyton.

“I’m ready for that,” he said.

Lundy also tried to sound an optimistic tone for his stewardship of the city’s peace.

“I assure you, the citizens of Guyton, the police department will serve and protect you all with commitment, compassion, leadership, integrity and professionalism,” he said.