DEMOPOLIS-Demopolis Police Chief Jeff Manuel recently received one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a man of his position. Manuel was elected by his peers to become president of the Alabama Association of Chief’s of Police.

The most impressive fact behind his election is that he was unopposed, Manuel said this was especially satisfying to him because it reflected the confidence his fellow chief’s had in his abilities.

“It was a very big honor,” Manuel said. “It was an even bigger honor that I didn’t have any opposition. It tells me that they have confidence in my ability to lead.”

Manuel said they held their election at last month’s meeting where he was put into office.

Considering Manuel’s background with the group it was an easy choice. Manuel has been a member of the organization since 1990 and during that time he has served in several capacities. He most recently served as Vice President and has also been a part of the education committee for many years. Other offices include Sergeant at Arms and Secretary.

Manuel said the offices he has held left him well prepared to take over the presidency.

“It has been a learning experience,” Manuel said. “You start at the bottom and you learn all about the organization and then, by the time you are ready to become president you have a really good idea of what to do.”

Manuel is not the only Black Belt representative on the Executive Board. He said there were two others in the area who were also on the panel.

“We had some other representatives from this area who also took office,” Manuel said. “Our District 7 representative is Jeff Laduron from Linden. There is also Ashley Welborn from Livingston, who is now the Sergeant at Arms.

Manuel said it made him feel good to have locals serving with him.

“I feel real good having someone real close there representing this area,” Manuel said. “We have quite a contingent of local people represented up there.”

The Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police has a membership of over 500 law enforcement executives from across the state. The primary mission of AACOP is to improve the quality and professionalism of law enforcement in our great state through state of the art training.

All municipalities are invited to join.