New police chief sworn in at Bay St. Louis Police Department

Bay St. Louis has a new police chief and he was sworn in earlier today.

John Toby Schwartz takes over the role from former Chief Gary Ponthieux, who announced his retirement in June.

Schwartz is a former DEA employee and part-time investigator for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.

Schwartz lives in Pass Christian and has more than 36 years of experience in law enforcement. “My goal is to make us, with the men and women of Bay St. Louis Police Department, the best small department on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That’s our goal. We will get there. We are looking forward to it.”

While with the DEA, Schwartz served 25 years as a special agent, supervisory special agent, and assistant special agent.