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By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

HOOVER – Standing in front of a cheering crowd full of many supporters, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis made a special announcement regarding his and the city’s future.

On Monday, March 17 at 2 p.m., Derzis held a press conference announcing his mayoral campaign for the upcoming election in front of the old Buy Buy Baby in Riverchase, aiming to set a positive trend for the future of a city that he has called home for many years.

“For more than four decades, I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve you, the Hoover citizens,” Derzis said. “In those 45 years, I’ve watched Hoover transform from a small suburb on the outskirts of Birmingham into one of Alabama’s largest and most dynamic communities.”

The announcement confirms talk that had circulated about the fact that Derzis would run for the seat currently held by Mayor Frank Brocato, who was sworn into office in November 2016.

Derzis discussed that as the police chief of Hoover, he has seen many changes and ideas come through, and looks to bring some of the platforms he has used in that position to his campaign.

“As police chief, I’ve adapted to change, I’ve embraced new technologies, I’ve led in evolving the world while never losing sight of the people that I serve, and that’s you, the citizens of Hoover,” Derzis said. “Hoover needs leadership that innovates, not stagnates, leadership that listens, not manipulates, leadership that plans, not reacts.”

Derzis said that a close friend of his wife recently told her that, “Hoover feels tired.” He agrees with that, and desires to change that atmosphere, pledging to be a leader with a plan and a vision.

“This city is my home,” Derzis said. “Its people are my family and since the first day as a patrol officer and for 20 years as a police chief, my mission has always been the same—protect, serve, strengthen, and this vision isn’t over.”

With his long career in law enforcement, Derzis plans to keep Hoover as one of the safest cities in Alabama, striving to invest in the first responders and protect the city’s homes, businesses and families.

Derzis also wants to keep Hoover’s schools at a premium level and make them the educational standard in the state of Alabama.

“Our schools should be the best in the state, period,” Derzis said. “As Mayor, I’ll continue to work with educators and community leaders to ensure that our children get the resources that they need.”

Another point of emphasis he has is to enforce financial responsibility and transparency, ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is accounted for and used in a way that will positively go towards the city.

Overall, Derzis strives to restore a mutual feeling of trust and transparency in the government, looking to make everyone from the city’s government to the citizens of Hoover feel as if they have a voice.

“I’ll bring that same approach (from the police department) to my administration,” Derzis said. “(I’ll be) working hand-in-hand with the City Council. Let’s hold regular town hall meetings, ensuring that every resident has a voice in shaping our future.”

Derzis stated that the state law would allow him to continue in his position as police chief until his last day of qualification, which will be in the back half of June. Following that time, he will take vacation until the election.

Should he not get elected to the mayoral seat, Derzis said that the decision would be left up to the mayor on whether or not he would stay in his position as the police chief of the HPD.

Derzis began his career in law enforcement with the Hoover Police Department as an officer in 1979. From then on, he steadily made his way through the ranks of the HPD and was later promoted to be assistant chief of police in December 1999. After five years of sitting in that position, Derzis was once again promoted to be chief of police in January 2005, which he still serves as today.

Over the course of his time at the HPD, Derzis has been involved in a number of departments and initiatives, including the Special Response Team, School Resource Officer program and the development of a new police operations center and jail facility.

Derzis graduated from Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

The municipal election for the city of Hoover will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

“Let’s make Hoover, Hoover again,” Derzis said.