Changes are underway within Foley's leadership as the city names a new executive director of public safety and a new police chief.

Current Police Chief Thurston Bullock will take over as Executive Director of Public Safety, effective September 1.

The announcement comes after David Wilson announced his retirement, after four years on the job. He was the City's first public safety director. 

“Chief Bullock will be the new Safety Director and we have prepared for succession in this department for quite some time,” said Mayor Ralph Hellmich. “David has done an outstanding job for our city over these past many years and he will be missed.”

The position was created to oversee the police and fire departments and lead major disaster response for a growing population. The senior management position allows for more flexibility and better utilization of skills among like departments, the city stated.

Wilson, who was credited for reducing violent crime and creating a community-oriented structure for the police department, said he is confident in passing the title to Bullock.

"I have worked with Thurston for 17 years," Wilson stated. "He has a lifetime of commitment and dedication to the citizens of Foley with the police department. I have witnessed his leadership as Patrol Lieutenant, SWAT Commander, Captain and then Deputy Chief/Chief of Staff. He has now served close to five years as Police Chief. He will replace me as the Executive Director of Public Safety and I look forward to seeing his leadership in this new role. " 

Bullock, a Foley High School graduate and magna cum laude graduate of Troy University, has been with the City of Foley since 1996. He was named the 2012 Officer of the Year.

Bullock has served as the Southern Vice President for the Alabama Tactical Officers Association and as SWAT Commander, and has completed the FBI National Academy. He also serves on the boards of the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit and the Baldwin County Appeals Board.

"Being selected as the next Executive Director of Public Safety is such an honor, knowing that our city leadership team has that trust and confidence in me to take on the responsibility of that position," Bullock said. "Director Wilson has done an excellent job and has taken the newly created position to such a professional level. I feel that as the City grows, I will have many opportunities to evolve it even further to fit our needs."

Under Bullock's leadership, the City has been named Gulf Coast Media's Best of Baldwin – Best Police Department multiple times. The department has increased pay and opportunities for officers, making it one of the most competitive in the state for recruitment and retention. 

Deputy Chief Kevin Carnley will become the City's eighth police chief. 

"Deputy Chief Carnley has been an exemplary leader in a critical role as my Chief of Staff for the past five years," said Bullock. "Through his leadership and hard work, he has helped us maintain a police department that is known throughout the region for its professionalism, morale, and service to our community. I am proud to see Kevin develop through the ranks over the past 25 years and become our City's new police chief. I look forward to working with him in our new capacities." 

Carnley graduated from Fairhope High School in 1995 and began his career as a volunteer firefighter before joining Foley's police department in 1999. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as the 2008 Officer of the Year and was awarded multiple law enforcement ribbons.

Carnley was appointed Deputy Chief in 2020. He has developed police department training and policies and has been awarded Exceptional Service Awards for his positions as a K9 unit supervisor and a professional development supervisor. He is a 2022 graduate of the National Command and Staff College.

"I am truly excited to be named the eighth Chief of Police in Foley," Carnley said. "This incredible opportunity fills me with gratitude and enthusiasm as I look forward to leading our agency into the next chapter. Having had the privilege of serving under four chiefs, I've gained invaluable insights that I'll carry with me on this journey. I'm deeply grateful for the support and endorsement from my former chiefs, the mayor, city leaders and employees. Their confidence in me means the world.

 "With 26 years of service in Foley under my belt, I am dedicated wholeheartedly to our community and to the amazing employees here who serve with excellence. Together, we will forge ahead with passion and commitment."

Hellmich added that the promotions from within the city have been in the works with each level of management preparing their successors for a smooth transition.

“Thurston Bullock, Kevin Carnley and Joey Fire Chief Joey Darby all have worked together very well and we expect nothing to change whatsoever,” Hellmich said of the transition. “We constantly look at our all of our departments and the number one job of any department is always to train your successor. Sometimes people are successful. Sometimes they’re not. In this case, it has all worked out. We feel that all the pieces will fit together just fine.”