Mayor Taps Tuscaloosa Police Chief for New Public Safety Director Role

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has named his police chief, Brent Blankley, as the city's Executive Director of Public Safety, a newly created position which will see him assume command of the fire department and E-911 service.

Maddox told the city council's Public Safety Committee that he chose Blankley for a handful of reasons, including his relentless work ethic, his accountability, his adaptability, innovation, and his commitment to the city.

Maddox said Blankley will assume the role on January 19th, creating a vacancy in TPD's chief's office.

To fill that void, Maddox also announced that Deputy Chief Severn "Sebo" Sanders will serve as acting chief, pending city council confirmation of his appointment.

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"I have had the unique opportunity to see them respond to and lead in situations that would be soul-crushing to most," Maddox said. "The things that both of these gentlemen have to lead through are staggering. I became sold on both of them when we had a tragic shooting in Washington Square a few years ago, with a 13-year-old tragically shot. Those were tough, difficult times, and the leadership of both gentlemen impressed the hell out of me, and they have my admiration forever."

Blankley has been the police department's chief for six years and has served the department for a total of 20 years. Sanders has served even longer, and 2026 will mark his 30th year at TPD.

"I have seen them, when facing the worst, to be focused, determined, and never forget their commitment to citizens and the officers they work for," Maddox said. "I'm very proud to announce those appointments."

Both police leaders addressed the Committee after the announcement and joined Mayor Maddox for a press conference with local media shortly after.

"Thank you for this appointment, and also thank you for letting me be the chief for the last six years. You know a lot that this department means a lot to me," Blankley said. "As I close out my law enforcement career - 20 years at the department - I promise you all that I will work just as hard as the director of public safety. I will work with police, work with fire, and work with other city department heads to make sure that the city is safe."

Sanders told the Committee that when he was hired 29 years ago, he never would have dreamed that he might one day be named the acting chief of the Tuscaloosa Police Department.

I can assure the community that Tuscaloosa's Police remain, as needed, to make sure this city is safe," Sanders said. "That's my number one goal, to make sure that our city and our schools are all safe."

Watch the post-announcement press conference below, and stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for more coverage from City Hall.