Pelham’s top cop is turning in his badge after more than 30 years on the force.
Police Chief Larry Palmer, who rose up the ranks after coming to the department in 1986, announced Monday that he will retire, with his final day of work scheduled for June 21 and his official retirement date set for Oct. 1.
“I will miss the employees and citizens of this great city,” Palmer said in a statement. “It has been my privilege to serve alongside some of the best in the business. The citizens of Pelham are passionate about their safety and have joined forces with this department to ensure that our city is one where people want to live, work and play.”
The chief urged Pelham residents to support the department after he retires.
“Get involved. Assist your Pelham PD officers, so that together, we can continue to maintain the high quality of public safety that you expect from the department,” he said. “I will always remember my days with the men and women of the Pelham Police Department, and I will continue to pray for their safety.”
Palmer started his career with the Pelham Police Department in 1986. Five years later, he was promoted to sergeant. That was followed by promotions to lieutenant in 1998 and captain in 2008. He was deputy chief in 2015 when he was appointed chief following the resignation of Tommy Thomas.
Palmer is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the University of Alabama Police Academy. He obtained a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice from Faulkner University.