Meet Chief of Police Vincent West

Let me introduce myself and share a little about who I am, along with my thoughts and vision for the Martins Ferry Police Department.

My name is Vincent West, and I have lived in Martins Ferry my entire life. I have also been connected to the Martins Ferry Police Department for as long as I can remember. I live here with my wife, Katherine, and our two children, who are the highlights of our lives and my greatest motivation.

My father, Vincent West—known to many in the city as “Ben”—became a Martins Ferry police officer three months before I was born. He retired from the department after 25 years of dedicated service. Growing up around the department and witnessing his commitment to this community had a lasting impact on me and shaped my desire to serve.

I graduated from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in 2005 while working full-time at United Dairy in Martins Ferry. I served as a part-time officer with the Martins Ferry Police Department for seven years before joining the full-time force in 2012. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside many outstanding officers, each of whom contributed to the officer—and leader—I have become today.

Early in my full-time service, I joined the Belmont County Drug Task Force with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office. During that time, I attended numerous specialized narcotics training courses and became a certified Clandestine Lab Operator. This certification, issued through the DEA, allowed me to safely dismantle methamphetamine laboratories, neutralize hazardous materials, collect evidence, and transport materials to approved disposal sites throughout the state of Ohio. This experience gave me the honor of working with exceptional law enforcement officers across Belmont County.

In 2023, I was promoted to Sergeant under Chief Jerry Murphy. Serving in a supervisory role broadened my understanding of leadership and reinforced the responsibility that comes with guiding others. It reminded me that leadership is a constant learning process—one that I continue every day. In October of 2025, I was honored to be appointed Chief of Police for the Martins Ferry Police Department.

My motivation and vision for our department are deeply influenced by the many Chiefs of Police I have known throughout my life, from Lloyd “Uncle Bud” Shroads to Chief Jerry Murphy. Their guidance, experience, and dedication helped shape my goals for this department. I believe in learning from both past and present leadership, using those lessons to address today’s challenges while continuing to move our department forward.

I am not perfect, and I recognize that mistakes will happen. What I can promise is that I will always strive to do what is best for Martins Ferry and work tirelessly to make our community as safe as possible. We are fortunate to have some of the finest officers, each bringing their own experience and approach to the calls they handle. I understand that not everyone will always agree with how situations are handled, and I welcome those conversations. My door is always open. You may not always agree with my answers, but you will receive honesty and transparency.

One principle I consistently share with our officers is simple: treat people the way you want to be treated. Respect goes both ways. If we approach situations with professionalism and fairness, we are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. At the same time, our officers deserve respect as well, and they will respond accordingly.

Our department faces daily challenges that truly make law enforcement one of the toughest jobs in the world. The situations our officers encounter would surprise many who believe they understand everything that happens behind the scenes. Social media has added another challenge, often spreading incomplete or inaccurate information. I ask everyone to remember that there are always two sides to every story, and what is shared publicly is often not the full picture. When mistakes occur, we address them through accountability and proper training to ensure we continue to improve.

In closing, please know that I am fully dedicated to the safety of our community. If you see something suspicious, please call. Like many departments, we are currently short-staffed due to budgetary constraints and the realities of today’s world. Every officer leaves their family each day knowing there is a possibility they may not return home, all to protect the citizens of Martins Ferry from crime and harm.

When you see our officers on a traffic stop or handling a call, please look out for them. Remember that they are people—parents, spouses, and neighbors—who are working to make this community a better and safer place.

Take care, and stay safe.
Chief Vincent West
Martins Ferry Police Department