Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Shelby County community has recently experienced the departure of several important law enforcement officials in quick succession.

In the past weeks and months, five police chiefs in Shelby County have either resigned or retired from their respective posts. Helena Chief Brad Flynn, Pelham Chief Brent Sugg, Alabaster Chief Curtis Rigney, Harpersville Chief T.E. Smith and the University of Montevallo Chief Tim Alexander have all had to embark on a search to replace these pillars of the community.

Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego addressed these changes in a report to the Shelby County Commission on Monday, Feb. 10.

“These changes are big,” Samaniego said. “So, we’re on board with all of them (the departments) to try to support them if we can.”

Big, indeed. Each department affected by a chief’s departure will have the arduous task of replacing years of dedicated service, integrity and honor.

But, how can you replace what is irreplaceable? The impact that these five men had on the communities they served cannot be measured by statistics; the impact they had will be felt for decades through their commitment to protecting and serving.

It can be a scary time for the communities affected by these departures when highly important officials depart from the communities they served for so long, the changes associated with it can feel seismic.

However, also recognize that the men who are stepping away from their respective posts knew that they were a part of something bigger than themselves. The position of police chief is not about the name on the uniform, but rather the badge itself and the cities and communities they swore to protect.

Helena, Pelham, Alabaster, Harpersville, Montevallo and Shelby County as a whole will continue to persist in the face of these important changes. We firmly believe that whomever is selected to replace all of these extraordinary leaders will continue to emphasize the importance of serving the communities they serve rather than serving themselves.