Allan Wade, Chief of Police

Chief Wade began his law enforcement career in 1972 as a Jefferson County Reserve Deputy and joined the Pelham Police Department in 1974.  He was appointed Chief of Police in 1984.  He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Public Administration Degree, both from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is a graduate of the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy and the prestigious FBI National Academy.  Chief Wade holds additional certifications as a police and civilian Firearms Instructor, an Evidence Technician and is certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission as a Specialized Instructor in both the Basic and Advanced police academies.  Chief Wade is a past president of the Shelby County Chiefs of Police Association and served five years in the office of secretary for the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police.  He was elected by the membership of the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police to serve as their representative on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, and is currently serving his third term on this board.

E. A. “Tommy” Thomas, Captain – Operations Commander

Captain Thomas started his law enforcement career with the Pelham Police Department in 1977.  He is currently Operations Commander, the number two management position within the police department.  Captain Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and also holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from Jacksonville State University.  He is a graduate of the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy and the prestigious FBI National Academy.  Captain Thomas holds certifications as a police and civilian Firearms Instructor, an Evidence Technician, Senior Crime Scene Analyst, Fingerprint Identification Examiner and  Polygraph Examiner.  He is certified as a Specialized Instructor for the Basic police academies by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.

Larry A. Palmer, Lieutenant – Patrol Division

Lieutenant Palmer began his law enforcement career as a Reserve Officer for the Helena Police Department.   In 1986 he joined the Pelham Police Department.  He is a graduate of the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy and is a graduate of the 209th Session of the F.B.I. National Academy.  Lieutenant Palmer has served as a Patrol Division Sergeant and served as a supervisor for the former Shelby Regional Narcotics Task Force.  In addition to his current assignment as lieutenant over our Patrol Division, Lieutenant Palmer is also the commander of the Pelham Police Department’s Tactical Operations Unit; our elite SWAT team.  He is an active member of the FBI Domestic Terrorism Working Group.  

Scott Tucker, Lieutenant – Investigations Division

Lieutenant Tucker started his law enforcement career as a police/fire dispatcher with the Vestavia Hills Police Department.  He earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Jefferson State Community College in 1985.  In 1985, he joined the Shelby County Sheriff’s Reserve Program, and graduated from the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy in 1986.  Lieutenant Tucker joined the Pelham Police Department in 1986.  He was named Pelham Police Officer of the Year for 1991 and was promoted to Sergeant later that same year.  For a number of years, Sergeant Tucker commanded the Pelham Police Traffic Unit, a group of specially trained traffic accident investigators.  During his service with the Traffic Unit, Sergeant Tucker completed the prestigious Traffic Homicide Investigation Course taught by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.  In early 2002, he earned a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned to command the department’s Investigations Division, an assignment he currently holds.

A. Sherwood Florence, Lieutenant – Administrative Division

Lieutenant Florence began his law enforcement career as a Birmingham Police Officer in 1974.  He joined the Pelham Police Department in 1976.  He currently serves as supervisor of our Administrative Services Division, which encompasses Police Dispatch/911 operations, the Police Records Unit, police computer systems, police radio systems, jail operations, court liaison and equipment procurement and maintenance.  Lt. Florence is a graduate of the Birmingham Police Academy.