Baldwin County Deputy Sheriff Derek Boone

MAGNOLIA SPRINGS - There’s a new face in Magnolia Springs, as Baldwin County Deputy Sheriff Derek Boone is taking the streets as the town’s new deputy.

“I know there are some citizens who are concerned, but myself as the mayor and some of the councilmembers felt it was time for a change as far as a deputy in the area,” said Mayor Kim Koniar. “The prior deputy had been here for a number of years, at least three or four, and periodically they change.”

Koniar went on to say she’d spoken with Sheriff Hoss Mack who stated a discussion had taken place last year about a change of deputies in Magnolia Springs. Over the last ten years, the town has seen four different deputies on patrol, with the switch occurring approximately every two years. Prior to the December work session, Koniar received a call from Mack informing her Boone would be starting his duties in Magnolia Springs immediately.

“We wanted a deputy who worked with the town, worked with the citizens; a community-oriented deputy,” Koniar said. “So this is not some conspiracy theory from a ticket I got, it’s not a personal vendetta, it was a mutual decision amongst the councilmembers.”

Boone has 17 years of law enforcement experience, the last nine being spent in Baldwin County. He has experience in K-9 unit, drug task force, patrol, and civil enforcement. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in zoology, and has completed law enforcement training in SWAT, active shooter response, and control tactics. He has a focus on traffic safety, which the council embraces having seen increased traffic on County Road 49.

“In his introductory meetings with the mayor and council, he emphasized his firm commitment to community policing and getting to know the exceptional people who live here in the Springs,” said councilmember Nick Shields.

Shields emphasized that when someone is involved in or witnesses an emergency situation to call 911 immediately, but non-emergencies should be reported to the Baldwin County Dispatcher at 251-937-0202. He stressed calls for any type of emergency should never be made to town hall to Jenny White, town clerk.

Boone’s schedule will be more varied than the previous deputy, as Boone would like to get a feel for the town at all times of day.

“Crime occurs 24/7, and I’d like to mix my schedule up as best that I can and balance it to make it where people in this area are not sure when I’m here,” he said. “There will be a larger variance in the work hours.”

Town council welcomes citizens to greet Boone when they see him in town, and Boone stated he’s looking forward to working with the citizens and town of Magnolia Springs.