Beaumont police chief to retire

After 53 years, Beaumont Police Chief James “Jimmy” P. Singletary is stepping away from a long law enforcement career.

At a Jan. 5 press conference, Singletary announced he was retiring from the Beaumont Police Department (BPD), effective March 31, after serving as the city’s top cop for 12 years. 

“This decision was not made lightly but, after reflection and consideration, I believe the time has come for me to embark on a new chapter of my life,” expressed an emotional Singletary. “God has blessed me a great family and my wife, Tammy, was always supportive of my career. I miss her every day.”

Tammy died Jan. 30, 2021. Singletary also recognized other great supporters, including his parents and brother, Bill, a retired 42-year firefighter.

Additionally, Singletary said he was inspired by the dedication and commitment of each member of his department and said it has been his greatest honor in his professional career to serve as police chief of the BPD.

“We have seen challenges and triumphs – and have worked together to make our communities safer and a safer place for all,” he said. “Our officers, staff and community partners have demonstrated professionalism and resilience. I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved together. 

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.”

According to Singletary, the department’s support, hard work and shared vision for a safer community have been a driving force behind BPD’s successes.

“Together, we have built bridges of trust and collaboration that will endure long after I leave,” Singletary said. “As I retire, I leave the Beaumont Police Department in capable hands. Our commitment to excellence, integrity and community engagement will continue to guide this department forward.”

Singletary added that he has “full confidence” in the leadership team and every individual in BPD. 

“They will carry on the important work of serving and protecting our community,” he said. “I say goodbye to the role of police chief, but not the relationships and memories created during my time here. Thank you, Beaumont, for the privilege and honor of serving as your chief of police.”

Singletary stated with assurance that the spirit of dedication and service that defines the department will continue to thrive in the capable hands of those who remain.

“May we all continue to work towards a safer and more unified community,” he said, adding that, within the next few months, he hopes that he has the opportunity to personally thank those that have contributed to his career.

“After 53 years, I love these guys,” the outgoing police chief said. “We’ve had a lot of fun being at work and put some bad guys away. 

“Hopefully, we made the city a little bit safer.”

Singletary said he doesn’t have any solid plans after retirement.

“I have some options and I’m going to hang around for a while,” he said of the open date book still awaiting jots of future journeys. “I’m sure babysitting will be part of it.”

Singletary said he will miss working with those working the beat the most.

“A police officer said something that was really poetic: ‘I’m not going to miss the circus but I’ll miss some of the clowns,’” he concluded.

Singletary started his career in 1970 with BPD and, after 30 years, left the department to become a law enforcement coordinator for the Department of Justice. In 2002, he went to work with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and reached the rank of major.

In 2011, Singletary was appointed Beaumont’s police chief after the resignation of Chief Frank Coffin.