By Staff Writer Tyler Riley
HOOVERHoover Police Chief Nick Derzis concluded the evening by making a special statement about his impending future in front of the Hoover City Council and residents.
Derzis named Hoover Assistant Police Chief Norman McDuffey as the interim police chief while he takes a leave of absence from the role during a regularly scheduled Hoover City Council meeting on Monday, June 23 at Hoover City Hall.
Derzis declared his intention to run against incumbent Frank Brocato for the position of mayor of Hoover on March 17.
In accordance with Alabama law, Derzis is obligated to take a leave of absence from his position as police chief from the time he becomes eligible to run until the election results are announced in August.
Derzis expressed his gratitude for the work the Hoover Police Department does and thanked everyone he has interacted with throughout his tenure at the top of the department.
According to Derzis, it has been an honor to serve the people of Hoover for the past 40+ years as a police officer and the last 20.5 as the police chief. Having the chance to work with the best group of men and women in uniform has been a blessing, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of it. As I always say, no one does it as well as we do.
In recent years, the city of Hoover has also taken a number of actions to attract businesses to the area in an effort to sustain its financial success.
Derzis also expressed gratitude to individuals outside the HPD who he believes have contributed to the city’s current state as he left for his holiday.
Derzis added, “I’ve been proud to serve alongside the other city employees, and I firmly believe that the work that the employees have done over the years that I’ve been here is the reason we have this wonderful city.” I’m grateful for the chances I’ve been given, and I’ll be saying farewell tonight and seeing you all in around two months.
In 1990, McDuffey joined the Birmingham Police Department as a patrol officer, marking the start of his career in law enforcement. Before switching to Hoover in 2001, he remained an officer and sergeant.
McDuffey has worked for the HPD as an investigator, canine handler, and patrol officer. In addition, he has served as a division commander in Patrol and Investigations, as well as a supervisor in the Operations Bureau and the Crimes Against Persons Unit.
Many thanks, “To the Hoover City Council,” McDuffey remarked. I sincerely appreciate the leadership, help, and encouragement the council has provided us during my twenty-four years here. Even though it isn’t as long as the chief has been here, he remarked that we are very lucky to work with a group of employees, have the government’s support, and will continue to do things the Hoover way for the next two months.
In his March introductory remarks, Derzis aims to preserve Hoover’s standing as one of Alabama’s safest communities while simultaneously investing in first responders and safeguarding the city’s residences, businesses, and families.
Since taking office as mayor in 2016, Brocato has remained in office and is currently running for a third term as Hoover’s leader.
On Tuesday, August 26, the city of Hoover will hold its municipal election.
