Incoming police chief Rodney Barnett asked the Thorsby Town Council Monday for money to help the department meet a June 1 deadline set by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

During the meeting, Barnett, who will become the department’s chief on Monday, May 4 following the retirement of current chief Ed Prady, presented a quote for a computer system needed to file accident reports as part of the E-Crash program.

In a March 16 letter to police departments, Alabama Department of Public Safety Director Col. Christopher Murphy informed departments of the June 1 deadline, saying “E-Crash promises to further our mutual goals in highway and traffic safety, and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in bringing this program to Alabama.”

The council approved the system, which will cost less than $2,000, and will give the department the ability to file accident reports with the state through the computerized program.

“I wish there was an option, but there isn’t,” Barnett said. “This is a mandate from the state, and I am glad we are going to be able to get this done before the deadline.”

In addition to the computer training provided to the department, officers and staff will also have the chance to attend regional training sessions for E-Crash provided by the Department of Public Safety.

In other police department business, the council unanimously accepted the resignation of Randy Headley.

The council also is helping promote a retirement ceremony in Prady’s honor to be held Saturday, May 2 from 2-4 p.m. at the Thorsby First Baptist Church’s Fellowship Hall.