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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The Maplesville Town Council has selected Riley Barnett of Randolph as the new Maplesville Police Chief.

Outgoing Chief Robbie Autery is returning to the 17th Judicial Drug Task Force.

Barnett said he was interested in the Maplesville Chief position because he saw “the positive impact that law enforcement has within the community, especially with our elementary and teens in school” while growing up in Thorsby.

“I want to be a leader in the Maplesville community to help ensure that it is a very desirable place of safety to raise a family,” Barnett said.

He emphasized that he wants to meet community leaders and grow partnerships.

“I think it is important that our department is not just responding to incidents, but actually working within the community to solve community problems,” Barnett said.

Barnett has been in law enforcement for 13 years. He started as a reserve officer with Thorsby Police. After completing his criminal justice degree at the University of Alabama in 2009, he joined the Jemison Police Department.

Currently, he is a patrol sergeant with the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office. He has been with CCSO for 10 years.

“I have been mentored by great officers, and I look forward to putting what experience I have gained in my career to good use as I protect and serve the citizens of Maplesville,” Barnett said.

Barnett initially became interested in a career in law enforcement because of his father Rodney Barnett, who is the police chief in Thorsby, and a “desire to serve others and to just give back to the community.”