SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Lt. Willis Whatley will retire Thursday, June 26, marking the end of a distinguished career in law enforcement that spans more than three decades.
Whatley began his career in 1993 after graduating from the 97th session of the North Alabama Law Enforcement Academy — the final seven-week session in the academy’s history. He joined the Talladega County Sheriff’s Department that same year, first working as a correctional officer and dispatcher before serving as a south-end deputy.
In 2002, Whatley joined the Sylacauga Police Department, serving in both night and day patrols. He was a sniper on the department’s Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Team and worked with the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force from 2006 to 2009.
He returned to the Sylacauga Police Department in 2009 and transitioned into the Investigations Division. He was promoted to sergeant in 2010 and to lieutenant in 2012, eventually serving as chief investigator. As lieutenant, he led both the patrol and investigative divisions.
Throughout his career, Whatley earned several awards and honors, including:
2009 Officer of the Year
2010 Chamber of Commerce Officer of the Year
Multiple Meritorious Service Awards
Department Service Awards
Perfect Attendance, Safe Driving, and Firearms Expert recognitions
He is also certified as a firearms instructor, field training officer instructor, traffic homicide investigator, Tier 1 investigator, and law enforcement executive. Whatley holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Columbia Southern University.
The Sylacauga Police Department thanked Whatley for his service and leadership.
“We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement,” the department said in a statement.
