Effective Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, Lake Charles Police Chief Shawn Caldwell has promoted veteran officer Sgt. Larry Moss to the rank of deputy chief.

A 29-year law enforcement veteran, including the past 22 years with the Lake Charles Police Department, Deputy Chief Moss now oversees the department’s Operations Division.

Born and raised in Sulphur, La., Deputy Chief Moss graduated from Sulphur High School in 1986 and then attended McNeese State University. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1988, where he served as a special weapons technician aboard the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during Desert Storm and completed his service at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown in 1994.

Following his military service, Deputy Chief Moss began his law enforcement career with the Henrico County Sheriff’s Office in Richmond, Virginia, as a correctional deputy. He quickly rose through the ranks, achieving the rank of sergeant, where he made significant contributions in the Training Division, Sheriff’s Honor Guard, Special Operations Response Team, and later as the Intake and Release Supervisor.

In 2003, he returned to the Lake Charles area to be closer to family and joined the Lake Charles Police Department as a patrol officer. His commitment to public safety and professional development led to his transfer to the Training Division in 2008, where he served as an instructor and departmental recruiter. In 2017, he took on the role of SWAT commander, further demonstrating his leadership abilities and tactical expertise.

In addition to his operational roles, Deputy Chief Moss has been actively involved in training initiatives since 2006, serving as an instructor in various disciplines including defensive tactics, Taser, chemical munitions, Gracie Survival Tactics and active shooter response. He is also a Louisiana POST-certified firearms instructor, underscoring his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of training and safety within the department.

He is married to Summer Moss of Ragley and has one stepson, Tyler Barbre.

“Deputy Chief Moss is a dedicated and decorated veteran of both the United States Navy and the Lake Charles Police Department. His experience and proven leadership across a broad spectrum of divisions within the department is just one of many reasons why I’ve asked him to step into this new role,” said Chief Caldwell. “He truly understands and embraces the importance of positive relationships between police officers and community members, all while having a keen understanding of the training and tools our officers need to be successful in faithfully serving our community. He will continue to be a tremendous asset as he begins this new chapter with the department, and I am excited to have him working alongside me in this new role.”

The police chief appoints deputy chiefs with approval by the mayor. Deputy Chief Moss joins Deputy Chiefs Kevin Kirkum (Investigations) and Dustin Gaudet (Support) to round out the department’s command staff. Deputy Chiefs Kirkum and Gaudet, both veteran officers of the department, have served in their respective roles since April 2024.

“Chief Caldwell’s selection of Deputy Chief Moss is a strong step in rounding out his administration,” Mayor Marshall Simien said. “Deputy Chief Moss’s proven dedication to his family, community and country truly exemplifies the values of the Lake Charles Police Department. I look forward to working with him in his new role.”