Tuscaloosa Mayor Shares Key Police Leadership & Public Safety Updates

City of Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox checked in with the Mid-Day Vibe with Mary K. on 92.9 WTUG for his monthly visit to share key updates and insights on several recent appointments shaping the direction of Tuscaloosa.

As reported by the Tuscaloosa Thread, Maddox “named his police chief, Brent Blankley, as the city's Executive Director of Public Safety.” In addition, he also announced that “Deputy Chief Severn Sebo Sanders will serve as acting chief, pending city council confirmation of his appointment.”

Strengthening Public Safety Coordination

During the interview, Maddox highlighted that “about two or three months ago, the city council authorized us to move forward with the creation of a position using existing funds, no new money, for the Executive Director of Public Safety. And the goal of this is really to unify our responses to things such as mental health to event management.”

The Mayor shared that the city managed more than 50 events last year, emphasizing that security for gatherings of that scale is intensive and demands a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach, along with careful management of city resources.

For the Executive Director of Public Safety position, “its goal is to coordinate those services ensure we're managing your resources effectively,” said Maddox.

City of Tuscaloosa Police Chief Details

Sanders will assume the role of acting police chief pending city council confirmation. Maddox said Sanders is well respected and will “do a great job leading our department during this transition.” In addition, the mayor added that the two speak almost daily and that he has a “great amount of trust in him.”

Mayor Emphasizes Community Safety

“The most important thing we do at the city of Tuscaloosa is keeping you safe,” said Maddox. “These two gentlemen (Blankley and Sanders) are going to continue that long-standing tradition and making sure you're safe in your neighborhood, in your businesses, and out in the community.”

Full Interview