FOLEY - The Aug. 17 Foley Council marked an emotional day for many people gathered in the Civic Center as current Police Chief David Wilson prepares for retirement and prior Deputy Chief Thurston Bullock was sworn in. Bullock will take his position as Foley’s 7th police chief effective Sept. 1.

The evening was filled with tears, laughter, gifts, stories, speakers, the swearing in of Bullock, and finally, the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Wilson is retiring after 37 years in law enforcement, the last 13 which were spent as Foley’s chief.

“Chief Wilson is probably one of the best, if not the best, hires that’s been made at this city since I’ve been on this council, and I’ve been here awhile,” said Council President Wayne Trawick. “We thoroughly appreciate [Wilson] being here and what [he has] done for this city, it brought us a long way, and it was hard to get here … He is the absolute definition of a leader. He has left the department in a much better state than he found it, and if that’s not real leadership then I don’t know what is.”

Speakers for the event included Foley Mayor John Koniar, Baldwin County District Attorney Robert Wilters, Sheriff Hoss Mack, and Bullock. Wilson’s weapons, both his stock and backup, were approved as surplus and presented to him during the ceremony. The department’s staff had his stock weapon customized in his honor.

Prior to coming to Foley, Wilson served on Daphne PD. Wilson was taught community-oriented policing by Captain Charlie McNichol, which he says he’s never forgotten. Though retiring, Wilson will remain working part time as a Training Specialist for the City of Foley. He looks forward to using retirement to spend time with his wife Denise and their family.

“To our police department and city employees, Team Foley, I love working with you and am looking forward to it more in the future,” said Wilson. “To our police department employees, I’ve already shared with you how I feel about you, but what a great group of men and women to work with, and I’ll take you with me for the rest of my days in my heart.”

Bullock has served in law enforcement for 24 years. After his swearing in, Bullock thanked his family, friends, the City of Foley’s staff, council, and mayor, the citizens of Foley, and Wilson.

“I’m proud to serve [the citizens of Foley],” Bullock said. “I grew up in this area, in this town, and I’m glad to give back to this family that I grew up in, so it’s a pleasure and an honor to do that. And if it wasn’t for [Chief Wilson], I wouldn’t be here I don’t believe. This man has shown us so many things when it comes to leadership, he has developed us, he has helped to get us to where we are. We are very sad to be losing him. He’s also a friend that is going to be missed, but he’s still going to be around, we’re still going to be going to lunch. I can’t tell you how much I love David as a friend and as my chief, and I just think he’s done so much for us. I know we’re going to make him and the citizens and the council and everyone else proud.”