Trained, modern: Daleville DPS is ready for next administration

Whether current Daleville Department of Public Safety Director Harvey Mathis will continue in his role once a new mayor takes the reins of the city Nov. 7 is not known. However, Mathis said, he is leaving the department better than when he arrived four years ago.

The DPS director is one of Daleville’s department heads. While, traditionally, the person is appointed based on the recommendation of a sitting mayor, the director, who serves as chief of fire, rescue and police, is actually hired and serves at the pleasure of the city council.

“My goals when assuming the position as the director of Public Safety was to make the department modern in all aspects and to ensure our officers were properly trained, said Mathis. “Many of the deficits and weaknesses I encountered was the department was operating under an umbrella of complacency—the department had operated in a similar manner for many years and were happy with the status quo.”

The director, who served 20 years in the U.S. Army and has been in law enforcement for 15 years, said once he accepted the position, he saw that many changes were needed in addition to modernization.

“A new standard of professionalism was set for officers, reserves, dispatchers, and office personnel to operate. With a new standard I needed to have the right leaders in the positions to lead, and give them the backing to lead, and that, I believe, I have done,” he said. “It was all about having the right people in the right places to make things work. I established a high standard of professionalism on which we were going to operate and settled for nothing less. Those that did not meet those standards were asked to move on or be fired.

“When I arrived, much of our equipment and operating standards were outdated. With the backing of Mayor Claudia Wigglesworth and the city council, we were able to get the equipment we needed. A new emphasis was put on training and accountability in our service to the public. We have upgraded our facilities, our equipment and even established a premier shooting range for where our officers could train.”

Mathis said whether he is allowed to continue as DPS director or not, he is making sure that multiple items and tasks are completed before his possible exit from the job.

“With the passing of the new budget, we have asked for funding of several items meant to enhance the officers doing their jobs. I want to ensure the equipment is ordered and in the hands of the officers who need them,” he said. “The officers are aware that my continued service as the director is uncertain, but they also know I am not easing our standards and continuing to do what we need to do to sustain the level of professionalism established.

They know I will do all can to support them in doing their job.”

Mathis acquired a portable speed checker that is already in use, plus new laptops for officers, body cameras, vehicles and is currently making sure the physical facility of the department and its many employees are safe with the installation of bullet-proof glass, a Kevlar blanket around the dispatch room, and a protective partition leading into the police department.

“It is all about safety. Some fringe segments of our society have chosen law enforcement as targets of retribution for their own ideology. Often the dispatchers are alone with no officers in the building and very vulnerable to personal attacks. I want to ensure their safety. These are a few steps taken. Other measures have been taken, but will not be discussed for security purposes,” explained Mathis.

All in all, the DPS director said he is very proud of all sections of his department, from rescue to fire to police and dispatch.

“The department’s ranks are filled with professionals dedicated to serving the public. When you have professionals filling the ranks just about anything can be accomplished,” he said, adding he is also proud of a well-establish “great relationship” with Fort Rucker, the city schools and general public.

Mathis, a well-known child and animal advocate, also has a strong relationship with a local animal rescue, All Breeds Rescue, as well as nearby Big Bend Wildlife Refuge.

“Stray dogs and cats are no longer immediately shipped to facilities where they are put down after seven days. We have housed them and found all of them new homes. Wild animals are no longer disposed of, but transported to Big Bend Wildlife Refuge for rehabilitation and later release into the wild.”

Mathis said he understood the appointment to his job and will harbor no hard feelings should he not be asked back.

“I realize the decision for my continuance will be based on the decisions of Mayor-elect Jayme Stayton and the city council. If not re-appointed, I leave with no bitterness or disdain. I accepted the initial appointment with a desire to bring new life to the Department of Public Safety. I have dedicated myself to being accessible to all and conscientious in every aspect of my duties.

“If needed, I tried to be there to respond to issues citizens had. I know I would not please everyone with decisions made, but I always strived to do what was right. I never compromised the administration of applying the law and was intolerant of anyone attempting to use his or her position for abuse. I demanded integrity from all those that worked for me and, in turn, maintained the highest standard of integrity to them. Rest assured, the public can be truly proud of the Department of Public Safety. I am proud of each and every member, and volunteer of the Department of Public Safety. We have a tough mission and we have tackled the tasks at hand with professionalism and still maintained a sense of cohesiveness, never losing our sense of humor.”