Copyright AL.com
A new police chief is at the helm of the Priceville Police Department. The city council appointed Sgt. Jerry Wigginton to the position. Councilmembers chose not to re-appoint Chief Jerry Holmes at their Monday meeting. Holmes was at the end of his first term of office. Priceville Mayor Sam Heflin said Holmes wanted to keep his position, but was voted out. Heflin said he’s disappointed with the council’s decision. “I don’t understand why you’d have somebody that has done a good job for three and a half years and reduce crime in every part of the city, every crime, from car break-ins to business break-ins, all that stuff is down," he explained. “And I’m not sure why you’d make a change with somebody that had that kind of success record.” Holmes was the chief when Priceville Police Officer Gary Chapman, son of reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter, started a police pursuit that ended in the death of 17-year-old Tristan Hollis and injured three others. Chapman was fired by Mayor Heflin, but he was later rehired after a successful appeal process. He and several other parties are being sued by Hollis’ family. The City of Priceville is being sued, but the Priceville Police Department is not. Mayor Heflin said Holmes was not accused of any wrongdoing. Holmes, “did what he was supposed to do.” Mayor Heflin said he does not know the exact reasons why Holmes was taken out of his position. Priceville City Councilmembers were not immediately available for comment. Even though Mayor Heflin disagrees with their decision, he plans to work hand in hand with his team. “What the council and I agreed five years ago when we came into office, that win, lose or draw, when you come out of a vote, if the majority votes, they will all six get behind it,” he said. “We’ve done that over the last five years and I was on the losing side of the vote, but the votes have been made. They’ve made the decision that they made, and so now the six of us will get behind it, and we’ll do everything we can to make Chief Wiggington successful.” Chief Wiggington served as the sole Sergeant on the Priceville Police Department, according to Mayor Heflin. He has been with the department for approximately three years, but he has served in other north Alabama departments, including the Decatur Police Department. Mayor Heflin believes Chief Wiggington is extremely knowledgeable about the law and is capable of taking on this role. Chief Wiggington’s term started immediately when he was appointed by the council on Nov. 3.
