Capt. Joshua Herren was named as the interim Pell City police chief at the Pell City Council meeting Monday, after a unanimous vote.

“We have conducted many interviews, but have not decided on an appointment yet,” Pell City City Council President James McGowan said. The council has decided to change some qualifications for the Pell City police chief position, including stipulations that the individual chosen to permanently fill the role will reside within the Pell City city limits within four months of hiring, obtain an updated CPR certification within 30 days, and have a valid Alabama State Drivers License within 30 days of hire. The Pell City city attorney also advised that the qualification of completing the agility course twice annually be removed, since the police chief position is primarily an administrative position.

The position of Pell City police chief has remained open since previous Chief Gregory Dean Turley retired in December 2016. The city had 12 applicants and conducted many interviews during February. The City Council had also requested additional information last week on candidates from out of state and are still awaiting a reply before finalizing any appointments.

“Capt. Herren will complete a range of normal progression into the interim police chief position, fulfilling his same duties as captain,” Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger explained. “That will allow us time to finalize [the hiring] process.”

Capt. Joshua Herren has been with the Pell City Police Department since 2001, serving in various roles including chief investigator and training sergeant, 2008-2013, and lieutenant over patrol, investigations, and special operations, 2013-2014. He has been in his current position as captain of police operations since 2014. Herren has also held many additional volunteer positions, including internal affairs investigator, crime scene technician, and rescue/recovery diver.

Herren has received several awards during his career in the Pell City Police Department, including Leadership Awards in 2009, 2014, and 2016, Distinguished Service Award and Roy Allen Davis Memorial Award 2010, and was named Officer of the Year in 2007.

“I am honored to be able to serve the city and my fellow officers,” Capt. Herren said. “I want to do a good job for the people and the city that have given me so much.”

He has lived in Pell City since 1993, has been married since 1998, and has three teenagers.

“I became a police officer for the same reasons that I joined the military,” Herren said. “I believe that a life given in service to your God, family, friends, country and fellow man is never wasted.”

The City of Pell City will be re-listing the position of police chief and accepting more applicants until March 15.