Jerome Wyche
City Manager
Contributor
After almost 34 years in what has been a stellar career in law enforcement and other associated avenues in related fields, Reggie Alexander, Chief of Police for the City of Madison, has elected to retire. Chief Alexander began his career climb of upward mobility when he completed training for and obtained a certificate in the field of corrections in 1989 from North Florida Community College and was employed by the Madison Correctional Institution. In a short period of time, Alexander successfully trained for and secured a critical position on the Correctional Emergency Response Team. His rapid growth in the field of corrections prompted him to be employed and promoted to Sergeant at Jefferson Correctional Institution, with responsibilities in a number of different capacities.
Alexander pursued his law enforcement ambitions and secured law enforcement certification at Lively Technical College and was hired as a deputy sheriff with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). While employed with the JCSO, he performed patrolling duties and served as a school resource officer. In 2000, Chief Alexander was employed by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and within minimum time, was promoted to patrol sergeant. After three years with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Alexander began employment with the City of Madison’s police department. His ambitions to excel in what would be his final career move were very evident, as he worked through the ranks from Corporal to Sergeant, to Lieutenant and in 2016, became the chief of police for the City of Madison. Although I had known Chief Alexander prior to my appointment as City Manager in 2018, a direct working relationship with him revealed some outstanding qualities, yielding a breadth of experiences that complimented his successful leadership as Chief of Police.
Although the Madison Police Department is small in size, the department has experienced similar incidents, situations and exposures as that of larger metropolitan police departments. Chief Alexander has performed admirably in the position as chief of police, managing personnel, materials and equipment in a productive manner. He has always been an advocate for an effective and efficient police department and had visions for upgrading what can best be described as a department with outdated equipment. Because of his persistence in upgrading the Madison Police Department commensurate with current day communications and associated police equipment, he can be credited for gaining the support of the City Commissioners for an award of $335,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act for the upgrades. I am proud to have had him as a member of my city staff, as his services and commitment as a servant of our communities are unsurpassed. Wednesday, May 31, will be his last official duty day, as he will make plans to pursue other endeavors. Captain Tyrone Edwards has been appointed as the interim chief of police, as the City of Madison initiates a process to select the next chief of police for the City of Madison. Chief Alexander, the City of Madison, and I, wish you God Speed. Thank you for your service.