From The Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE — The chief of Irondale Police Department, Ken Atkinson, announced his retirement. Atkinson will retire on Aug. 1, 2020.
Atkinson has been with the Irondale Police Department for five years. He has been in law enforcement for over 31 years.
“During his tenure, he has focused on the IPD’s community policing practices and policies, and the department has excelled in its service to the residents, businesses and churches in Irondale,” said Detective Sgt. Michael Mangina. “The department has made significant advancements in training and recruitment under his leadership.”
After graduating from Auburn with a major in criminal justice, Atkinson began his law enforcement career in 1991, with the Birmingham Police Department, where he graduated at the top of his academy class. After four years, he transferred to the Homewood Police Department rising to the rank of Lieutenant prior to accepting the position of Irondale Police Chief. At differing times during his tenure at the Homewood Police Department, Atkinson commanded the Tactical Team, the Patrol Division, and the Training Division. He was also the department’s D.A.R.E. officer, and he was one of the HPD’s first bicycle officers.
In 2011, Atkinson attended the FBI National Academy (244), and in 2018, he completed the Advanced Certification in Law Enforcement with the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP).