OPELIKA, Ala. – The City of Opelika is pleased to announce Shane Healey as the city’s new Police Chief, effective immediately. Healey is replacing Chief John McEachern, who retired November 30, 2020, after eight years of service to the city.
Healey will transition from Captain of Community Relations/Special Services Division, where he was responsible for community relations initiatives, Public Information Officer duties, recruiting, hiring, the DARE program, school resource officers, officer training and policy development.
Mayor Gary Fuller stated, “We are excited about Captain Healey moving into the Chief position. His love for this community and his forward-thinking approach is going to bring new ideas and ways of policing to our community. After an extensive search across the southeast by an outside recruiting firm, we were proud to learn that the most qualified applicants were internal. It makes me proud to know that we have one of the best police departments in the southeast. Shane brings more than 30 years police experience and he is deeply rooted in this community. I look forward to working with Shane and the OPD leadership team.”
Healey began his career with the Opelika Police Department in 1991 as a paid informant and communications operator. He became a sworn officer in July 1992 where he worked in the following divisions: patrol, traffic and detectives. Over the years Healey rose in the ranks before getting promoted to Captain in May 2014. He has since commanded several divisions. Healey has been recognized as an expert in police policies and procedures and has provided several written opinions in federal court cases. He currently serves as a Board member for The Curtis House, a non-profit community center, and previously served on the board for the Red Cross/East Alabama Chapter. Healey and his wife, Christie Ray Hill, reside in Opelika and together have five children, all raised in Lee County.
“I am humbled and honored to be chosen to lead some of the best men and women in law enforcement. Together we will continue to provide superior service to the citizens of Opelika. We are excited to improve existing relationships and build new ones with all citizens. I am passionate about Opelika and deeply committed to making our city the best that it can be,” says Healey.
Healey will continue to manage the Community Relations/Special Services Division until the department names a replacement.
For more information, please contact Allison Duke, OPD Community Relations Specialist, at aduke@opelika-al.gov.