Goshen swears in Andy Stevenson as new police chief

Goshen Mayor Liy administered the oath of office and formally installed Andy Stevenson as chief of the Goshen Police Department at a public ceremony. The mayor framed the appointment as the result of an extensive search and praised Stevenson’s focus on training and building leaders.

Mayor Liy said his "understanding of public safety has changed dramatically and deepened from seeing it on the inside," and credited past leaders for building long-standing community ties within the department. He told the audience his selection process included meetings with 45 department personnel, reference interviews, a community task force and outside counsel before naming Stevenson the city’s choice for chief.

The hire drew two video testimonials from colleagues. Johnny Brown, chief of the Appalachian State University Police Department, said, "you have found one of the best chiefs that you could hire," and cited Stevenson’s path through the ranks and leadership at his former agency. Cashache Cook, a master police officer who worked under Stevenson at Appalachian State, praised his mentorship and said he creates a culture that allows officers to balance work and family.

At the ceremony, Mayor Liy led Stevenson through the oath: "I, Andy Stevenson, do solemnly affirm ... that I will faithfully and impartially discharge my duties as chief of police for the Goshen Police Department." Following the oath a department member presented the badge to Stevenson’s spouse, Lorie Stevenson, who pinned it on her husband as part of the tradition.

In brief remarks, Stevenson thanked his family and the mayor and described a nearly 31-year career that includes work in Indiana and leadership roles in university public-safety programs. He said the department would prioritize "collaboration, transparency, and a customer service mindset," and stressed officer development: "We're going to attract the top applicants and develop them into the policing leaders of tomorrow." He closed by saying he had been "listening rather than talking" since arriving and that he was eager to begin work.

The ceremony included a formal staff inspection of sworn personnel to mark Stevenson’s assumption of leadership. No council vote or other formal legislative action was recorded at the event; the installation proceeded as a mayoral appointment and ceremonial oath.