Tommy Williams is a lifelong public servant, decorated U.S. Navy veteran, and award-winning law enforcement leader with nearly 40 years of experience dedicated to protecting and serving the people of Slidell. Born in New Orleans and raised in Slidell, Tommy is a graduate of Pearl River High School and comes from a family deeply rooted in law enforcement—his father, Wyatt Williams, served as a Captain with the Slidell Police Department and as City Marshal.

After working in the oil and gas industry, Tommy joined the United States Navy in 1987, serving as a Nuclear Weapons Technician. He was one of only 1,500 service members entrusted with this elite role, earning a security clearance above Top Secret and receiving multiple Navy Achievement Medals, the Company Honorman Award, and numerous commendations for leadership, technical excellence, and zero-defect performance. Tommy’s military career was defined by his ability to lead under pressure, make critical decisions, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

Following his honorable discharge, Tommy completed over 900 hours of police academy training as a distinguished graduate and began his law enforcement career in Roswell, Georgia. Over 14 years, he rose from patrolman to sergeant, supervising a patrol shift of more than ten officers, managing federal grants, and earning recognition as Supervisor of the Quarter. In 2007, Tommy returned home to Slidell, joining the Slidell Police Department, where he has served in the Patrol & Traffic Division, Police Certified Post Instructor, and Reserve Division Officer. He has received two Life Saving Awards, trained hundreds of officers, and been recognized for his commitment to excellence, public safety, and community trust.

Chief Williams is a leader who inspires and motivates others to share his vision. He is known for his “ready on day one” approach, his ability to make tough decisions under pressure, and his unwavering dedication to the safety and quality of life for every resident. He has volunteered with nearly 30 non-profit organizations, served as a board member for Community Christian Concern and Mayor Fandal’s Wild Game Cook-Off, and is an active member of Slidell Men of Steel, Noon Lions Club, Kosmos Lodge #171, and the American Legion Post #374. He and his wife, Susan, own a local charter business and are deeply invested in the community.

Chief Williams’ vision for the Slidell Police Department is built on three pillars:

• Community Partnerships: Strengthening relationships with residents, faith leaders, schools, and local organizations through quarterly town halls and open communication.
• Professional Excellence: Recruiting, hiring, and retaining the best officers, providing state-of-the-art equipment and training, and fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and respect.
• Smart, Modern Policing: Utilizing data-driven strategies, responsible technology, and innovative solutions to enhance public safety, improve response times, and build trust.

A man of his word, Chief Williams is committed to protecting the community, upholding Slidell’s values, and ensuring the safety and quality of life that every resident expects and deserves. He believes in leading by example, inspiring officers to share his vision, and working hand-in-hand with local, state, and federal agencies to deliver results that matter.

Chief Williams and his wife, Susan, have two daughters, a son-in-law who serves as a detective with the Slidell Police Department, and four grandchildren. He is proud to continue his family’s legacy of service and to lead the Slidell Police Department into a new era of excellence.

Thomas “Tommy” Williams
Chief of Police
twilliams@slidellpd.com