WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

OCILLA, Ga. (WALB)- A lifelong resident of Irwin County will now lead the Ocilla Police Department.  

Ocilla leaders swore in Bill Barrs as the city’s new police chief on Wednesday, Nov. 19. 

Barrs brings 29 years of law enforcement experience to the post.  For 20 years, he served the Ocilla Police Department as a patrolman, Sgt. Detective, school resource officer and as Deputy Chief of Police.   

He’s also held posts with the Fitzgerald Police Department as captain of detectives and worked as a patrolman for the Nashville Police Department. 

You can also hear Chief Barrs on the radio as one of the Irwin County Indians football team voices.  He also coaches youth sports.  

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.