Jackson Free Press

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. appointed Jackson State University security chief Rebecca Coleman as Jackson's new police chief, and former Jackson Fire Chief Raymond McNulty as head of the Jackson Fire Department at a noon press conference today.

"I am confident that both these individuals can hit the ground running to lead our public safety departments," said Mayor Johnson in a press release. "Each of them has a great deal of knowledge of their respective departments and have both served in them previously."

Coleman has been with the police department since 1974 and worked her way up to deputy chief over a course of 20 years. She also held a position as Forest Hill Police Chief.

McNulty, meanwhile, served as Jackson's Fire Chief under the majority of Johnson's previous administration, until former Mayor Frank Melton attempted to replace him with Captain Todd Chandler, who was never confirmed by the Jackson City Council.

Both Coleman and McNulty must be confirmed by the city council.