Kemp Appoints Police Chief as Commissioner of Insurance

Doraville Police Chief, Brigadier General John King to become Georgia’s first Hispanic statewide constitutional officer 

Governor Brian Kemp appointed Doraville Police Chief and Brigadier General John King to serve as Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner and Safety Fire Commissioner on Wednesday. King is the first Hispanic Insurance Commissioner and statewide constitutional officer.

“John King is a decorated soldier, passionate community advocate, and devoted law enforcement leader with decades of experience,” Kemp said in a press release. “As Georgia’s next Insurance Commissioner and Safety Fire Official, John will put hardworking Georgians first by shaking up the status quo. He will restore faith in the Department of Insurance and will always do the right thing – even when no one is looking. Chief King has once again answered the call for public service. I know he will continue to be a bold leader and champion for the people.”

Kemp appointed King to fill the seat vacated by Jim Beck, who was indicted on federal charges of wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering.

About Commissioner John King:

Over three decades ago, Commissioner King started his law enforcement career in the Atlanta Police Department where he worked to undermine organized crime. He started at the Doraville Police Department in 1993 and became Chief of Police nine years later.

A native of Mexico, King has worked diligently to keep his community safe. He created and implemented several youth education, crime-prevention, and anti-gang programs. To help build strong relationships with diverse populations, Commissioner King hired bilingual officers, place numerous languages on his fleet of police cars, and partnered with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to enhance economic growth in the community.

Commissioner King is an American hero serving as a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army National Guard as Director of the Joint Staff for the Georgia DOD. He is the former Commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and has deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq and Afghanistan. During his long tenure in the military, King earned a Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantry Badge, meritorious service medals, and a NATO award for his service in both Bosnia and Afghanistan. He also received the El Salvador gold medal for achievement in 2006.

King received his Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and public administration from Brenau University and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.