By Tanna Friday
Editor
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville City Council voted last night to appoint Belinda Crapet as chief of the city’s police department.
Mayor William Isley, who was not present during last night’s meeting, wrote a letter of recommendation for Crapet that was read by Mayor Pro Tem, Wayne Tucker.
“Due to unforeseen reasons which would prevent my attendance at the city council meeting with the City of Springville, which is scheduled at 6 p.m. today, March 19,” said Isely. “I have a recommendation from the office of the mayor filling the position of police chief in the City of Springville. I hereby submit to the Springville Council my recommendation to fill the permanent, full-time position of police chief to Belinda Crapet.
“Crapet, who is currently active chief, has displayed all the necessary requirements to fill this position. I authorize Wayne Tucker, mayor pro tem, to offer this recommendation in my absence, to allow City Council to take action if the recommendation is so desirable.”
On Jan. 5, the Council passed Resolution 2017-11, which appointed Crapet as acting police chief upon Chief Lyle’s retirement on Dec. 31, 2017. Crapet, who has over 28 years of experience in law enforcement, has worked for the Springville Police Department for the last five years and previously served with Moody, Odenville and Ragland.
Related article: Springville names interim police chief, accepting applications for position
Tucker followed Isley’s recommendation with some brief and positive words to the recommendations of Crapet.
“I have not had anything but good reports and a lot of recommendations,” said Tucker. “Our people, citizens and county officers have asked me to support our active police chief. Belinda, I want to thank you. You’ve been serving as our active chief for nearly three months now and I appreciate what you’ve done.”
Council liaison to the Springville Police Department, Councilor David Jones, spoke about his interaction with Crapet and the overall staff of the city’s police department.
“Four years ago, the Mayor asked me to be the liaison,” said Jones. “I learned a lot being around these ladies and gentlemen. First, I think the Council should know that Belinda was Chief Lyles’ recommendation to the Mayor to be the acting chief and possibly fill the permanent position as chief of the police department.”
“I have seen all of these guys in action,” he said. “I rode along with some of the officiers and it’s a daunting task to be a police officer in today’s environment,” he said. “I have seen them administer the law with compassion, which is a good thing. They not only represent us, but they also represent their leader.
“It would be my privilege to make a motion to approve Resolution 2018-08, which would appoint Ms. Belinda Crapet as our police chief.”
Tucker also recognized former chief Bill Lyle, who was present last night and supportive of Crapet.
“I would like to recognize our former chief, Bill Lyle, tonight,” said Tucker. “He is another one that I never heard a complaint on in all his years serving as chief. I appreciate that. I also appreciate you, Belinda, taking this job because I know it can’t be easy.”
In other matters, the Council approves:
- Minutes from March 5 Meeting;
- Minutes from March 16 work session;
- Ordinance 2018-03 to amend personnel policy ordinance regarding social media use;
- Expenditures for ammunition for the police department;
- Expenditures to replace pump at the city’s splash pad for $2597;
- Resolution 2018-06 for football field lighting equipment purchase from Musco for $79,000;
- Resolution 2018-07 for the football field lighting installation by S & G Waldrop for $26,000;
- Rescheduling of March 30 work session to March 28 at 3:00 p.m. due to a holiday;
- February 2018 budget report; and
- Resolution 2018-08 appointment of police Fire chief.
Following the agenda, Tucker read a statement aloud to the Council and public from Mayor Isley regarding his son, Timothy Isley, who is recovering for injuries sustained during the recent shooting that occurred on March 14 at UAB Highlands Hospital.
“The family of Tim Isley would like to thank the everyone that have joined in vigilant prayer for our son, brother, relative and friend. We are convinced that God has plans for Tim’s life, and Tim knows that to be the truth and awaits direction in his life. Tim has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit and is looking forward to discharge from the hospital in the near future. Tim continues to recover from his physical wounds and will face the challenge of handling the emotional recovery that faces him. Please continue to pray for Tim on this journey. The family is overwhelmed by the show of love that has been shown to our family, and we thank God every day for the love and support.”