By BY BLAKE BELL, STAFF WRITER
On October 1, 2002, Bruce Lovett resigned, ending his eight month tenure as Atmore's Police Chief, citing personal reasons as his motivation for leaving.
"My leaving was very amicable," said Chief Lovett, "there were absolutely no problems with anyone in the department."
In the wake of Chief Lovett's decision, the city of Atmore has taken numerous steps in planning for how to fill the position.
According to Glenn Carlee, the Director of Public Safety for the city of Atmore, the search for a new Chief of Police will begin sometime in early January 2003.
Until that time duties will be split between Director Carlee, who is splitting his duties between the Chief position and his role in the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force and Chief Lovett whose contract with the city does not run out until December 2002.
"Chief Lovett will take some well earned vacation and comp time," said Carlee, "but will remain under contract with the city of Atmore over the next 90 days and will assist with the transition period."
According to Director Carlee the City of Atmore will be running advertisements and taking applications for the position, but ultimately the new Chief of APD will come via and appointment by the Mayor.
"Mayor Shell will base his decision on recommendations from myself, and the applicant's experience and will probably involve the City Council in the decision," said Carlee, "but the ultimate appointment will come from him."
"Chief Lovett was a valued asset to this police department and the City of Atmore," said Carlee. "He has been instrumental in the re-organization of the department and the improvements made in personnel and working conditions of the department. He sacrificed the needs of his family who have remained in Bay Minette and has had to maintain two homes in order to provide his services to the citizens of Atmore. I support him in his decision and wish him well in his future endeavors."
In an interview Monday Chief Lovett said he was very thankful for the opporunity to serve the citizens of Atmore.
"I was very happy to be there. The department in Atmore is full of good people and will not miss a beat in my absence.
"Glenn Carlee is very intelligent and capable and will handle the duties over the next few months with excellence," said Lovett.
With ninety days lying between now and the hiring period for the new Chief, both Director Carlee and Chief Lovett will work with the City to handle the position's duties as Atmore begins a search for its third Chief of Police in two years.