Springville names interim police chief, accepting applications for position

By Tanna Friday

For The Tribune

SPRINGVILLE — The City of Springville has hired one of its own investigators to serve as its interim police chief.

Mayor William Isley issued the announcement Dec. 18, and said Belinda Crapet will begin in January and stay until a permanent chief is selected.

The Council passed Resolution 2017-11, which appointed Belinda Crapet as acting police chief upon Chief Bill Lyle’s retirement on Dec. 31. The resolution provides Crapet with an acting chief stipend comparable to what was provided to Lyle when he served as chief. Lyle served nine years with Springville, six of those as acting chief.

Crapet has over 28 years of experience in law enforcement, and has worked for the Springville Police Department for the last five years. Crapet previously served with Moody, Odenville and Ragland.

Crapet is excited about the opportunity and has hopes for the department.

“I just want to try and move the department forward a little bit,” said Crapet. “The people of Springville have always been very good to the police department, and we work really well as a community. Hopefully I can move things a little forward and take things one step at a time.”

Isley hopes to hire a new police chief within the next couple of months.

“We have from Jan. 1 to Feb. 1, a 60-day period, for the application process,” said Isley. “Application forms for employment for the city police chief are now available on the city’s website. Anyone interested in applying for that position has 60 days to send in the application, submit with a resume to city hall.”

Isley said that a committee of Councilors will interview potential applicants during that 60-day period. Isley said that he has received three applications, including Crapet.

In other matters, the Council:

• Approved minutes from Dec. 18 regular meeting;
• Approved to take action in removal of speed breaker on Robinson Street at Pine Street;
• Approved an expenditure of $2,800 to repair the Springville Fire Department Engine 553;
• Announced a work session scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 8 a.m. to discuss annexation of a property; and
• Announced the next council meeting, Jan. 18, beginning at 5 p.m. to see candidates for District 2 council vacant seat.