Welden steps down as head of Chiefs Association to dedicate time to campaign

Welden steps down as head of Chiefs Association to dedicate time to campaign

PHOTO: Valley Head Police Chief Nick Welden addresses the DeKalb County Chiefs of Police Association at Kelly's Kitchen yesterday. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor 

tyler@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Yesterday, the DeKalb County Chiefs of Police Association met at Kelly's Kitchen in Rainsville for their March meeting. The meeting was attended by Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum, Henagar Chief Randell Smith, Powell Chief Michael Little, Collinsville Assistant Chief Rex Leath, Mentone Chief Brad Gregg, and Fyffe Chief Dale Manning.

Valley Head Police Chief Nick Welden, who is currently running for Sheriff on the Republican ballot this June, has served as the President of the association for the last year. Welden announced he would step down from the position to devote his time to his campaign for DeKalb County Sheriff.

"I can't be the President of the DeKalb County Chiefs of Police Association and fully dedicated myself to running for DeKalb County Sheriff at the same time. It's a good association and requires a lot of attention," said Welden.

"Being an effective head of the association requires time and effort, and we've done a lot of good things in the last year," said Welden. "We've brought in a lot of training that has never been done before in DeKalb County. For example at our next meeting, a representative with the Human Trafficking Task Force Like will be providing training on how to spot the signs."

Welden explained that the training is crucial for law enforcement in our area, due to several major highways and I-59 passing through. Recently, the Washington Post reported 341 children had been saved from human trafficking since law enforcement in Texas started training to spot the signs.

Towards the end of the meeting, the group took the chance to discuss school security protocols and response to a real-life shooting situation. The chiefs from all over the county also discussed how they would support other cities within the county if such a tragedy were to strike. The chiefs also discussed future training events for the county's police officers.

"The group has been a great source for sharing information. It's brought the police chiefs of this county closer than we've ever been. We're a tight knit group," said Welden.

"I greatly appreciate the towns and the chiefs for supporting me during my time as head of the association," Welden said.