MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – It did not take long for Chris Ruemher, the new Morgantown Police Deputy Chief, to make up his mind to make the move to the mountain state after he experienced firsthand West Virginia’s long reputation for hospitality.
During Ruehmer’s last visit to Morgantown as part of the interview process, he got a flat tire and while on the side of the road changing the flat, Ruehmer said every person who passed by stopped to check on him.
“And I thought, What a wonderful place to be.”
That episode helped Ruehmer confirm the impressions of Morgantown he had developed in during previous visits.
“I absolutely fell in love with it, and was fortunate enough to have been selected by the chief and the city manager to now serve the citizens of Morgantown,” Ruehmer said.
Ruehmer, who has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, comes to Morgantown after most recently serving with the Cincinnati Police Department. In Cincinnati, Ruehmer reached the rank of lieutenant and served in several roles, ranging from records to tactical operations. He also led the formation of a human trafficking unit.
“I think he is going to be an invaluable asset to the Morgantown Police Department,” Chief Eric Powell said. “In speaking with him, he embodies everything you would want in a police professional. He is very personable, and he is the right person for the job.”
The transition to a new city should not be a major change for Ruehmer, who sees similarities between Cincinnati and Morgantown.
“Cincinnati is very similar to Morgantown; it’s a river city, and we have universities there much like Morgantown,” Ruehmer said. “The University of Cincinnati is a major fixture there.”
Ruehmer was officially began his new duties as the second in command on Jan. 14.
“There’s always a different perspective, and I hope I am a valuable asset in bringing that perspective here,” Ruehmer said.