Devin Hogue (A-PD Photo)

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett, today (Friday), announced the next leader of the City’s Police force. Garrett said in a press release, “It is my honor to announce that effective April 1, 2022, Atlantic will have a new Chief of Police and an Assistant Chief of Police. Lieutenant Devin Hogue has been promoted to Chief of Police and Lieutenant Paul Wood has been promoted to the Assistant Chief of Police.

Lieutenant Hogue and Lieutenant Wood have a combined 31 years of experience in Law Enforcement, with 27 of those years serving the City of Atlantic. They bring many talents and abilities to the department and already have the respect of their team. I look forward to working with them as they lead the Atlantic Police Department in this new era. Congratulations to both officers!”

Current Police Chief Dave Erickson has served the City for 25 ½ years, the last 5 ½ as Chief. On Feb. 2nd, he announced his resignation, saying “It’s time to step down and let some of the younger generation take over.” Erickson’s last day as Chief is March 31st.

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Devin Hogue joined the Atlantic Police Department in August of 2011. Prior to joining the APD, he worked at the Shenandoah Police Department and attended the 13th Basic Academy Class through Western Iowa Tech Community College, where he became certified as an Iowa Law Enforcement Officer. Devin attended Simpson College and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Devin was promoted to the position of Lieutenant in 2016. Devin and his wife Jodie have two children, Charlie and Cullen. In the past, he spent several years as a substitute teacher with the Atlantic Community School District and has been very involved with the implementation and trainings surrounding emergency preparedness for the schools. Devin has overseen the many community programs the APD runs throughout the year since joining the department. Devin is a firearms instructor, computer voice stress analyst, and has received training to offer peer support for the department. He has also been the team leader of the Cass County Drone Team since its implementation in 2020.

Paul Wood joined the Atlantic Police Department in November of 2004. Prior to joining the APD, he worked for the Pella Police Department and attended the 187th basic class through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Paul attended Western Iowa Tech Community College and earned an Associate’s Degree in Police Science. Paul was promoted to the position of Sergeant in 2011 and to the position of Lieutenant in 2016. Paul has been a member of the Atlantic Fire Department since 2007. He and his wife Sara have two children, Riley and Brady. Paul has served the roles of field training officer, sexual abuse investigator, arson investigator, Taser instructor, and radar instructor for the department.