By james art 
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — After Scott Thurmond leaves the Birmingham Police Department next month, another longtime member of the police force will step in as interim chief.
Michael Pickett, BPD deputy chief, was named interim chief by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin during a press conference Thursday, where Thurmond announced he will retire Nov. 29.
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“I want to thank Mayor Woodfin for his confidence in me and offering me this opportunity,” Pickett said. “My focus is clear – a safer city. I will strive to motivate and revitalize our men and women in the department. Attract more officers to join this department while emphasizing effective and efficient policing. My number one goal is to make the citizens of Birmingham feel safer and to make criminals feel uncomfortable and fearful in our city. Thank you and I look forward to getting to work.”
A native of Birmingham, Pickett attended Ramsey High School and later graduated from Miles College. In 2004, Pickett joined the police department, first being assigned to the West Precinct and later becoming a field training officer.
Pickett’s previous assignments include Operation Knight Rider, which dealt with city center driving enforcement and security at the World Games and other city events.
“Deputy Chief Pickett is a dedicated public servant and innovative public safety strategist,” Woodfin said.
Pickett is Birmingham’s third police chief since Woodfin was first elected mayor in 2017.
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