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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

HARPERSVILLE – Harpersville has announced that Timothy “Trent” Dennis will serve as the town’s new chief of police following the departure of T.E. Smith.

The Harpersville Town Council unanimously approved the appointment of Dennis as the new police chief of Harpersville during a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Feb. 3. Dennis’ appointment comes after the departure of Smith who has accepted a new role with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

“Chief Dennis brings a vast range of experiences to his new role,” read an official press release by the town of Harpersville.

Dennis has an extensive background in law enforcement as an honor graduate of the Alabama Advanced Criminal Justice Academy. He served with several agencies, including the Mountain Brook Police Department, Gulf Shores Police Department, Silver Hills Police Department and Summerdale Police Department—where he served as assistant chief of police. Dennis joined the Harpersville Police Department in early 2024 in the operations division. He also served in the U.S. military for 20 years.

“Harpersville Police Department is officially open for business,” Dennis said during the council meeting. “I’m grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the mayor and council on behalf of the citizens to lead this agency. My priority is to provide the best law enforcement services using a common sense, professional approach to keep the public and our officers safe.”

Dennis announced that, for the first time in the agency’s history, citizens can now obtain copies of police reports at zero cost.

“The town is eager to see the positive impact Chief Dennis will bring to both the Harpersville Department and its citizens,” read a release by the city of Harpersville.

A swearing in ceremony will take place during the first Harpersville Town Council meeting in March. A light reception will follow the ceremony.

Dennis can be reached directly via email at Policedept@harpersvilleal.gov. The Harpersville Police Department is located at 34 Town Hall Lane in Harpersville and can be reached at 205-672-8000.