Thursday, June 26, 2025, marked the final day of service for Lieutenant Willis Whatley as he retired from the Sylacauga Police Department after an incredible career in law enforcement.
Lt. Whatley began his journey in 1993, graduating from the 97th session of the North Alabama Law Enforcement Academy – the final 7-week session in its history. That same year, he started with the Talladega County Sheriff’s Department as a correctional officer and dispatcher before becoming a south-end deputy.
In 2002, Lt. Whatley joined the Sylacauga Police Department, serving in both night and day shift patrols. He was a sniper on the department’s Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Team and was assigned to the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force from 2006 to 2009.
Upon returning to the Sylacauga Police Department in 2009, he worked in Investigations before being promoted to Sergeant in 2010 and Lieutenant in 2012. As Lieutenant, he led both patrol and investigative divisions, ultimately serving as Chief Investigator.
Lt. Whatley is a decorated officer, earning numerous honors including:
* 2009 Officer of the Year
* 2010 Chamber of Commerce Officer of the Year
* Several Meritorious Service Awards
* Department Service Awards
* Perfect Attendance, Safe Driving, and Firearms Expert Awards
He is also a Certified Firearms Instructor, FTO Instructor, Traffic Homicide Investigator (THI), Tier 1 Investigator, and Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEEP). During his career, he also earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University.
Please join the Sylacauga Police Department in thanking Lt. Whatley for his dedication, leadership, and more than three decades of service to our community. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement!