Laurel Police Chief takes a Leave of Absence

HATTIESBURG, MISS. – Monday morning, Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee announced Laurel Police Chief Tyrone Stewart is taking a temporary leave of absence. “Beginning today, our Police Chief Tyrone Stewart will be off duty for an undetermined period of time to deal with a very serious medical issue,” Magee said. Stewart started in law enforcement back in 1994 and later, became the police chief in 2011 after replacing Chief Walter Martin. His temporary leave of absence takes away 24 years of law enforcement experience from the department. “This was not totally surprising,” Magee said. “There have been indications and issues as we have approached this… We don't know the future, but there is no indication that he will not be back at full speed shortly.” Currently, there is not a timetable for Stewart’s return, and Mayor Magee did not name a replacement for the position of police chief.