By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – After the departure of Chief Brent Sugg, Pelham Mayor Gary Waters has appointed Edward Delmore as the city’s new police chief.

Chief Delmore will take the oath of office at the upcoming Pelham City Council meeting on Monday, April 7. Delmore previously participated in the selection process that led to Sugg’s hiring, and commented on what led to him accepting the role.

“Earlier this year, two significant events aligned: I accomplished all of my professional goals in Gulf Shores, and I learned of Chief Sugg’s decision to return to Oklahoma to support his wife’s career,” Delmore said. “The timing was serendipitous. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Pelham Police Department.”

Waters also commented on the appointment, noting it as an exciting moment for Pelham as a whole.

“The sadness I feel at the loss of Chief Brent Sugg can only be offset by the appointment of another similar in character; that is Chief Ed Delmore,” Waters said. “Chief Delmore leads from the front and is the one to take the baton. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Delmore brings more than 40 years of law enforcement experience to his new role, including a 15-year tenure as the Gulf Shores chief of police. During his years of experience, Delmore earned widespread recognition for his service and achieved numerous milestones in policing excellence.

Along with his various roles in law enforcement, Delmore has also instructed law enforcement professionals nationwide, including police supervisors at the Pentagon and police administrators from around the world at the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for training and professional development in law enforcement.

Delmore has also served as an adjunct instructor for several institutions, including Northwestern University’s Traffic Institute, the University of North Florida’s Institute of Police Technology and Management and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers. Delmore developed and taught specialized courses in criminal patrol operations, interview techniques and leadership for police administrators. Delmore also holds a master’s degree from Webster University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“His leadership philosophy is centered on integrity, community engagement and continuous improvement, making him a strong asset to the Pelham Police Department and the community it serves,” read a statement from the city of Pelham. “The city of Pelham welcomes Chief Delmore and looks forward to his leadership in continuing the tradition of excellence within the Pelham Police Department.”

Chief Delmore and his wife, Ann, who is a retired police officer, have three children and four grandchildren.

For more information on the Pelham Police Department, visit Pelhampd.com.