Council elects Petties as police chief

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - On February 5, the Fairhope City Council voted to elect interim Police Chief Joe Petties to take on the job full time.

Chief Petties has worked for the City of Fairhope for some 30 years and temporarily became the city's police chief after Chief Bill Press resigned last year.

“We really agonized over this decision, but I think in the end we picked the best man for the job,” said City Council President Jack Burrell. “He's got a great heart, great law enforcement officer.”

“It's not about me,” said newly elected Chief Joe Petties. “It's about the men and women that work for the Fairhope Police Department as well as the citizens of Fairhope.”

The council also voted to amend Petties’ four  year contract; tacking on a one year probation period.

“That was just to make sure we made the right choice,” said Burrell. “We feel very confident we made the right choice but given the past history we wanted to make certain.”

Council members said the final four candidates were made aware of the amended contract.

After the probation period, the chief would simply continue doing his job unless the council votes to terminate him.

The newly elected Chief said he wants his department to be more transparent.