By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The city of Helena has concluded its search for a new police chief and current Pelham Police Lt. and Investigations Division Commander Pete Folmar will take over the new police chief duties.

The announcement comes after former Helena Police Chief Doug Jones announced that he would be retiring this past month.

Folmar began his law enforcement career in 1994 at the Anniston Police Department and has been with the Pelham Police Department since 1996 serving in a variety of different capacities.

Folmar has served in both the patrol and investigations divisions. He was promoted to sergeant in 2002 and has served as a patrol sergeant and as an investigation’s sergeant.

Folmar holds a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Phoenix and is a graduate of the Northeast Alabama Police Academy.

Folmar has been a resident of Helena for the past 10 years and he discussed the opportunity to get to serve his hometown.

“I’m most excited to be the chief at the department in my hometown,” said Folmar. “Ultimately, they’re responsible for protecting my family since we live there. I’m excited to move the department even further than they already are and I’m excited for the growth potential in the city and the department.”

Folmar was chosen from a pool of 12 candidates and Helena Mayor Mark Hall said ultimately it came down to Folmar’s many years of experience and meeting all of the qualifications that made him the frontrunner for the position.

“Really what he brings to us is all those years of experience at a department that we know and he’s a longtime resident of Helena,” said Hall. “He’s just the right person for us and he met the qualifications. Just knowing Pete and his leadership skills, we feel very confident that he can come in here without a significant learning curve and take over this police department.”

Folmar is scheduled to begin working as the new Helena Police Chief on Monday, Oct. 5.