Warrenton gets new top cop

It’s official; acting Warrenton Police Chief Lou Battle is now the town’s top cop.

Town Manager Ken McLawhon announced the move Wednesday morning.

Battle was originally hired as the deputy chief of police in February 2007. He has been acting chief since his predecessor, Chief Connie Novak, retired last year.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and appreciate the faith the council has put in me,” Battle said. “I will continue to work hard for the community.”

Battle, who had been living in Augusta County, will now move closer to Fauquier to shorten his commute. Before coming to Warrenton, he spent 26 years as a member of the Miami Dade Police Department where he retired as a senior bureau commander in charge of tactical operations.

Battle has two master’s degrees. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officers Development Course and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.

He is an adjunct professor and an expert witness on police operations, policies and procedures.

“He is well suited to continue the tradition of service and excellence which embodies the Warrenton Police Department,” McLawhon said.