By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



Thursday’s Gardendale Chamber of Commerce meeting featured speaker Chief Mike Walker of the Gardendale Police Department.

It was the first chance for most in attendance to hear from Walker about his history in law enforcement and his plans for the future of the department.

Walker, who has a long history with north Jefferson County through relatives, said landing the job in Gardendale was something he had always wanted. He said when he thought about Gardendale, the opening lines to the John Denver song, “Country Roads,” comes to mind.

“It’s almost heaven,” Walker said. “I have wanted to be here for a long time.”

Walker came to Gardendale with 27 years of experience, having worked previously in Montg-omery, Birming-ham and most recently as the chief in Leeds.

He worked 22 years in Birmingham, starting as a patrolman and working his way up to lieutenant in 1999. He also commanded a shift of 85 officers while working at the South Precinct.

Walker retired soon after and took a job in Leeds. He took the Jefferson County Personnel Board test for police chief and made the top 10. Leeds’ Chief Tony Hudson resigned and Walker was offered the post.

The retirement of Gardendale Chief Wallace Campbell earlier this year opened the door for the Gardendale City Council to make Walker an offer.

Since taking the job, Walker said he has emphasized the training of current and future officers. He called himself a “firm believer in Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” theory, the top two of which are self actualization and self esteem. He said he wants to reward officers who do good work and asked for the city’s help in recognizing good police work.

Other recent moves include adding a second lieutenant position, approved Monday by the city council. Walker said the additional position will help narrow accountability in the department.

“The main focus is to keep you all safe, your children safe and your schools, and we’re going to achieve that,” he said.