Barboursville recently appointed you as Chief of Police. What does this moment mean to you?
It’s truly an honor. Barboursville isn’t just where I work, it’s my home. I’ve lived here, raised my family here, and served this community for many years. Being entrusted with the role of Chief of Police is something I don’t take lightly. I’m deeply invested in keeping this town safe, secure, and well-protected.

Tell us about your background in law enforcement.
I’ve been in law enforcement for nearly 25 years, including 17 years with the Barboursville Police Department. Most recently, I served as Deputy Chief. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in patrol, investigations, drug and vice, SWAT, and several other assignments. I’m also a military veteran, having served 10 years with the U.S. Army National Guard with the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

I think those experiences have shaped me professionally, but they’ve also reinforced the importance of teamwork, discipline, and servant leadership.

How does your personal life shape the way you approach this role?
I’m not just a law enforcement officer, I’m also a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor. I think people often forget that behind every badge is a real person, living a real life. My wife and I have been married for 37 years, and she has been a NICU nurse for over 30 years! She’s definitely the superhero of our family. We have four adult children and four grandchildren. Two of my sons are currently serving in the U.S. Army, and they are both devoted fathers and dedicated soldiers.

My oldest son has profound, non-verbal autism, and he’s been one of the greatest teachers in my life. Our journey raising him inspired me to write a book, Wrestling with an Angel: A Story of Love, Disability, and the Lessons of Grace. That experience has given me a deep appreciation for patience, compassion, and perseverance, qualities that I think matter in leadership and in policing.

My daughter is a college student majoring in early childhood education. She also works with disabled children and has wanted to be a teacher since she was in kindergarten. Watching her pursue that calling has been a real joy. I’ve tried to teach my kids that service matters, and the most important thing is not what we accomplish in life as much as who we help along the way.

All of that grounds me. When decisions affect this town, they affect families like mine.

What is your leadership philosophy as Chief of Police?
I believe leadership starts with presence. Availability and accessibility matter to our residents and to our officers. I plan to stay visible in the community and engaged within the department.

I’ll also personally manage and monitor our department’s Facebook page as a direct, non-emergency line of communication with the public.

Within the department, I intend to lead by example. I’ll work alongside our officers and hold myself to the same standards I expect of them: hard work, physical fitness, character, and integrity.

What is your vision for the Barboursville Police Department moving forward?
My vision is simple: to protect what makes Barboursville exceptional. This is a safe, welcoming, close-knit town, and it’s worth defending.

We will not over-police, and we will not under-protect. Our goal is to make the criminal element feel very unwelcome while ensuring our schools and neighborhoods feel safe, our businesses can thrive, and our small-town character is preserved for future generations.

You’re also very active outside of law enforcement. Can you tell us about that?
I’m a Christian, and I have been deeply affected by the gospel of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. That doesn’t mean I’m perfect or even close to it. That means that I’m a servant leader. You cannot separate me from my faith. It’s a part of me.

I’m very involved in my church, where I teach, preach, and help lead our men’s ministry. During my vacation time, I also work with a non-profit ministry called Guidelight. For the past 15 years, I’ve traveled across the country and internationally, offering biblical hope and practical help to families raising children with disabilities. That work has been incredibly meaningful and continues to shape how I see service and community.

What do you enjoy doing to relax?
Honestly, I’ve always loved my job, and I rarely feel stressed at work. Still, I unwind by lifting weights, doing some light cardio, or walking my dog at the park. Every once in a while, I head to the mountains of West Virginia for some off-grid camping. It’s good to unplug and reset, even if it’s just for a weekend.

What do you enjoy most about living and serving in Barboursville?
Barboursville still has a true small-town feel, and the support for law enforcement here is something special. It’s not uncommon for someone to stop by the police department with a meal, a snack, or homemade cookies just to say thank you. That kind of support doesn’t happen everywhere anymore, and we don’t take it for granted.

I love that I can sit on my front porch and talk with neighbors. Kids ride their bikes in the summer. Couples walk through the park in the evenings. Parades fill the streets in the fall, and Christmas here feels like a Hallmark movie. And as local police officers, we get to be part of protecting all of that.

A while back, my sister, who lives in Malibu, California, was visiting. After dinner on Central Avenue, she stopped, looked around Main Street, and said, “This town is very special. There aren’t many places like this anymore. It’s worth defending. It’s worth protecting. "I've held onto those words, and they’ve become my mission as Chief.

Any final thoughts for the community?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Barboursville in this role, and I’m confident that together, with our officers and our residents, we’ll continue building a safer, stronger community. It’s a privilege to serve on my home front, and I’m committed to honoring that trust every day.

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Mayor Chris Tatum shared with Stroll Barboursville: "I was honored to appoint Greg Lucas as Chief of Police. Throughout his career, he has led with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to public service. On a personal note, I am also honored to call Greg a friend, and I have full confidence that under his leadership, our police department will continue to serve with excellence, transparency, and compassion.”