By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – A longtime fixture at the Alabaster Police Department, who has served in nearly every aspect of law enforcement, has now worked his way up near the top of the department.

On Oct. 1, former Alabaster Police Department Capt. Jeff Anthony assumed his role as the department’s new deputy chief, serving as second-in-command to Police Chief Curtis Rigney.

Anthony is the department’s first deputy chief since Rigney, the former APD deputy chief, was promoted to the chief position in October 2012 following the retirement of former Chief Stanley Oliver.

“This position is something I feel like we needed, given the size of our department and city,” Rigney said. “He has proven himself to have outstanding leadership abilities, and he has worked in several areas of the department.”

As deputy chief, Anthony will oversee the department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Special Investigation Unit, Patrol Division, Corrections Division and School Resource Officer Division.

“If it weren’t for our lieutenants, it would be impossible (for me to manage those divisions),” Anthony said. “They do a great job, and I am here if they need me.”

Anthony said he was “extremely grateful and extremely blessed” to be named the deputy chief, and praised his co-workers at the department.

The new deputy chief has many years of law enforcement experience at several different levels. After becoming a reserve deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office 23 years ago, Anthony became an armed bailiff at the Shelby County Courthouse before moving on to a full-time officer position with the former Wilsonville Police Department.

From Wilsonville, Anthony moved on to the Alabaster Police Department, where he has been for the past two decades serving as sergeant, detective sergeant, detective lieutenant, lieutenant, captain and now deputy chief.

“I’ve had experience with most of everything that goes on. I’ve had my hands in several aspects of law enforcement,” Anthony said.

Anthony said Rigney has a “very specific vision” for the future of the department, and said he is excited to work with the chief to bring the vision to reality.

“I hope we can progress like law enforcement has to and should. I agree with his vision, and will follow his lead,” Anthony said. “I hope we can continue to maintain the great relationship we have with our community and our schools.”

Rigney called Anthony’s promotion “well-deserved,” and said he and Anthony have worked closely for many years.

“I’m very excited about it,” Rigney said. “There is nobody else I can think of to appoint to that position.”