Lewis hired as Haleyville interim police chief

HALEYVILLE - A unanimous vote of the Haleyville City Council Monday night, Jan. 4, resulted in the hiring of Rodney Lewis as interim police chief, to become chief when Kyle Reogas retires at the end of February.

“I am thankful to the mayor and council for feeling that I was qualified to take the chief's position when Kyle leaves,” Lewis said after the vote was taken at City Hall. 

In March, Lewis will be with the Haleyville Police Department 15 years, being hired as a patrolman in 2006. After graduating from the police academy July 13 of that year, Lewis worked several years as patrolman before being promoted to sergeant on Feb. 5, 2017. As sergeant, Lewis was over the shift he worked.

Lewis said he was going to emphasize community relations as police chief. “I want to get the businesses in the community to recognize our officers, even when they are not working,” he said. 

Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri noted the city had five qualified candidates they considered in the selection of interim police chief. 

“Rodney did a tremendous job and has done a tremendous job as an officer here and as a sergeant with the police force,” Sunseri said. “We are proud to have him as the new police chief.”

Sunseri was impressed with Lewis not only being highly qualified but also taking executive courses to prepare for the position of police chief.

“He is well prepared for the job, and we're excited to have him as our new chief,” Sunseri concluded.