Community Connect: Leonard “Pete” Hicks, West Blocton Police Chief
By Savannah Logan
A recent addition to the West Blocton Police Department, Chief Leonard “Pete” Hicks has been working diligently to let the community know that he is not only for them, but here to serve them in every way that he is capable of doing. Compassionate and committed, Chief Hicks has made it clear that one of his goals is not only to get to know the West Blocton community, but also for the community to be able to know him, too, to foster a sense of trust that is crucial to building an effective police force committed to the safety and well-being of the people.
Will you share a little bit with us about you and your family?
“I was born in Birmingham, AL. I’m the middle child with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I’ve never really been a sports fan and most people that know me would probably call me a bit of a nerd or geek. My main hobby is playing and collecting retro video games. I played my first game on an Atari 2600 around 1980 and never looked back. My wife Sara and I have been married for 3 years. I have a 14-year-old son from a previous marriage. He starts high school this year. All my wife’s children are grown, and she has several grandchildren. I have a hard time being called a grandparent because I refuse to accept that I’ve reached that age.”
How long have you been a police officer, and can you tell us more about your career?
“I started my career as a jailer at the Bibb County Jail in 2002. After 4 years in corrections I moved on to patrol. I later became a Detective with the City of Moody and eventually worked my way to Lieutenant over the Criminal Investigations Division. Throughout my career I took college courses as time allowed and eventually graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety. As part of working towards my goal of being a Police Chief one day, I applied for and was accepted to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia where I graduate with session #280 in December 2021.”
Is there anything specific that made you want to have a career in law enforcement?
“I have wanted to be a police detective for as long as I can remember. I don’t think there was ever really any other serious thought given to any career other than law enforcement.”
You’re on a long shift and need a pick me up – what is your go to snack?
“Peanut butter M&M’s.”
Cops are represented in media/film all the time – do you have a favorite movie/tv cop?
“It’s the same answer for both movie and TV, Detective Virgil Tibbs (In the heat of the night).”
What is your dream patrol car?
“Ford Crown Vic.”
What is one of your main goals as the police chief of West Blocton?
“One of my main goals is to build the kind of police department that the people of this town can be proud of. I also want them to know they can trust us to be there when they need us. To know that the officers working here are some of the best this profession has to offer and to create a positive relationship between the police department and the community by promoting transparency and accountability within the department.
And I would like to get to know people. Working in a small town you have a chance to really know the people you serve on a personal level and see the impact the work you do has on their day to day lives.”
Do you have a quote, verse, or mantra that inspires you?
“You’re never where you expect to be, but also where you should be.”
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
“Buy Apple stock and Bitcoin.”
Forgive the cop/doughnut stereotype, but I must ask – what’s your favorite kind of doughnut?
“This may be hard to believe coming from someone that’s fat and a cop, but I’m not really a doughnut person.”
What’s your favorite way to unwind and relax after a busy day or week?
“Being an investigator/detective can be one of the most mentally exhausting jobs you will ever have. There are some cases that will make you laugh and a few that will take everything you have to not burst into tears. Being a police chief comes with an entirely new set of challenges. My way to relax then and still today is to spend some time in my game room and try to forget I’m an adult for a bit.”
Thank you, Chief Hicks, for taking the time to talk to us and share a bit more about yourself! If you see him out and about, be sure to introduce yourself and let him know how thankful we are to have him in Bibb County.
