Nola swears in HPD chief Melanie Montroll
The Port of New Orleans (Port Nola) has sworn in Captain Melanie Montroll as the new chief of its harbour police department (HPD). She is the first woman and the first African American woman to be elected chief of the HPD. Montroll succeeds chief Robert Hecker, who retires after having led HPD for more than 26 years.
Montroll was sworn in by Brandy D. Christian, president and CEO of Port Nola and CEO of the New Orleans public belt railroad. Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. was also present.
Montroll has served as HPD’s assistant chief since 2017. Over the course of her 21 year career with HPD, her responsibilities have included commander of the criminal investigations and internal affairs division, academy director and commander of the marine division and day-to-day operations. (cj)