HPD welcomes new officer, celebrates promotions
The Hartselle Police Department welcomed a new officer to its ranks last week during a swearing-in ceremony at city hall.
Ofc. Alyssa Davis, the department’s newest recruit, began the 14-week police academy on Monday. Police chief Justin Barley said Davis was first a department intern and later transitioned into the reserve officer program.
Ofc. Alyssa Davis is sworn in by Mayor Randy Garrison at the Jan. 14 meeting of the Hartselle City Council. Davis began the 14-week police academy on Monday. Courtesy photo.
“We had the opportunity to get to know (Davis) well during her internship and reserve officer tenure, and we feel confident she will be a fantastic fit at HPD,” Barley said. “She is bright, hardworking and has demonstrated her dedication by preparing herself for the physical demands of the police academy.”
Promotions were also celebrated, with two officers advancing to the rank of lieutenant and two to the rank of sergeant. Sgt. Lucas Hogan, who began his career with HPD in 2006, was promoted to lieutenant over the patrol division. Hogan has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication throughout his career, excelling as a sergeant, and HPD is confident he will continue to thrive in his new role, Barley said. Sgt. Charles Porter was promoted to lieutenant over the training and community services division. Barley said Porter, who joined HPD in 2019 after a 20-year tenure with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, has proven to be an asset to the department. In his new role, he will be responsible for supervising officers assigned to Hartselle schools.
Patrick Edmonson and Brent Steele participate in a pinning ceremony with Chief Justin Barley during the Jan. 14 meeting of the Hartselle City Council. Courtesy photo.
Ofc. Patrick Edmondson joined HPD in 2020 after serving with the Decatur Police Department, has been promoted to sergeant. Edmondson was recognized for his eagerness to learn and his strong desire to grow in his career. Ofc. Brent Steele has also been promoted to sergeant after returning to HPD in 2022. Barley said Steele has shown continuous growth throughout his law enforcement career.
Barley emphasized the importance of finding and promoting the best individuals to serve in law enforcement.
“Our promotion process is designed to be both extensive and challenging, ensuring that our supervisors are not only outstanding officers but also genuinely care about the community and officers they serve,” Barley added.
