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Friends, family and community members gathered together in front of the Alabaster Police Station on Sunday, June 9 for a dedication ceremony for new plaques honoring the city’s past police chiefs. (For the Reporter/Neal Wagner)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Friends, family and community members gathered together in front of the Alabaster Police Station on Sunday, June 9 for a dedication ceremony for new plaques honoring the city’s past police chiefs.

The ceremony began with a prayer led by Derrick Morrissette by Mind of Christ International Church before attendees stood for a performance of the National Anthem by Daniel Hipps of the Alabama 9-1-1 Board.

Afterward, both Alabaster Mayor Scott Brakefield and Police Chief Curtis Rigney expressed their gratitude for the men who have served the department as police chiefs and discussed the significance of the dedication.

“The role of a police officer can be insanely difficult, even in the best of times,” Brakefield said. “My father is a retired police officer, and I hold the job of law enforcement in the highest regards.”

During the ceremony, those in attendance recognized the eight police chiefs who have served the city of Alabaster. Each chief was honored with a plaque in front of the Alabaster Police Department’s fountain.

“These plaques and this recognition is a small gesture on the city’s behalf,” Brakefield said. “The city can never do enough that could accurately capture the debt of gratitude the city and the residents of Alabaster have for their service.”

The following officers were honored at the ceremony:

• William P. Hill – 1953-1956
• O. O. Lee – 1956-1957
• Thomas F. Snow – 1957-1958
• Thomas O. Fore – 1958-1962
• C. E. Carter – 1962-1967 – 1971-1985
• L. M. Atkisson – 1967-1971
• Larry R. Rollan – 1985-2001
• Stanley E. Oliver -2001-2012

Rigney spoke to those in attendance on how much the city has grown during his time serving as the city’s current police chief and recognized the commitment of the previous chiefs.

“Today, we gather to honor the dedication and valor of our former police chiefs,” Rigney said. “Their unwavering commitment to safety and service to the city of Alabaster stands as testament to their courage and their leadership.”

Rigney said that the memorial is more than a tribute and is a reminder of the impact that these police chiefs have had across the city.

“What I hope for is, when visitors come and walk through this wonderful garden and look at the fountain and look at these (plaques), that they reflect on what these men (have) done and how much better things are now than they were many years ago.”

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