Petties Appointed Police Chief

Fairhope, Alabama

By a 4-1 vote interim Chief Joe Petties was appointed to be Police Chief for a 4 year term, with a one year probationary period. Councilmembers Mueller, Brewer, Burrell and Ford voted for Petties; Boone voted for Mike Reynolds.

Councilman Mueller called it "not an easy process, it affects a lot of people."

Council member Brewer said she was "very comfortable with my choice."

Boone said it was the "hardest decision ...  it was easier to ask my wife to marry me."

Councilman Ford called all the applicants "good men ... any one could be chief."

Councilman Burrell said the decision was "one of the most difficult in my whole life ... 4 really good
men ... came down to 2 for me ... one stood out and touched my heart (during interview)."

Burrell referenced Scripture, Matthew 5: "blessed are the pure in heart."