Police chief resigns, what's next?

FAIRHOPE, Ala, (WALA) - Now that Fairhope Police Chief Bill Press has announced he will resign, some former and newly elected council members are weighing in on the future of Fairhope.

Outgoing councilman Dan Stankoski said change is inevitable, and he's ok with that.

He said Press knew that his contract would likely not be renewed when the city council reconvenes in November.

 “He came in he did a good job. He was very professional he upgraded the department, increased the training, got good equipment for the people and apparently that wasn't sufficient,” said Dan Stankoski, current Fairhope City Councilman.

Stankoski hopes the council, including four new members, will conduct a national search for the next police chief.

“Fairhope's a walkable community and that's a very fragile thing and if you lose that walkability because of increased or perceived crime it's very difficult to reestablish that feeling that comfortableness in a community,” said Stankoski.

The new council includes four new members: Jack Burrell, Rick Mueller, Diana Brewer, and Kevin Boone.  Debbie Quinn, Dan Stankoski, and Rick Kingrea were not re-elected. A search for the next police chief will be up to Fairhope Mayor Tim Kant, returning Councilman Mike Ford and the new members.

 “I don't think we need major change. I think Fairhope is in a good place. I mean Fairhope's a wonderful place to live and be and I'm not sure change for the sake of change is a good thing, but it's always good to have new voices, fresh voices,” said Diana Brewer.

Newly elected councilmember Brewer is looking forward to her new responsibilities.

On the news about Chief Press, she said a national search will be time consuming and expensive.

“I wish we weren't having to go through that at this point, I think we were at a good place already, but be that as it may we'll have a go at another process,” said Brewer.

Neither Stankoski nor Brewer was surprised by Chief Press's decision to exit.

Bill Press officially steps down November 5. Assistant Chief Terry Sanders is also resigning effective the same date.

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