New Police Chief makes history in the city of Marion

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The city of Marion has a new history making police chief — to lead its police department.

Former Pine Hill Police Chief Nikisha Gailes took over as Marion’s top cop last week after the city’s former chief Kendrick Howell — left to become the chief of Police in Eutaw.

Gailes brings over thirty years of law enforcement experience to job.

She served the last 21 years in the Pine Hill Police Department — including 10 years as the chief. She made history as that town’s first female — first black — and first black female police chief. And now she’s doing the same thing in Marion.

“It’s actually a great feeling knowing that I made history again,” said Gailes.

“Having a woman police chief in this community, it brings a different concept of someone you can talk to and just have that spirit about her, that could relate to the people here. we need that and I think people are looking for that,” said businessman Donald Bennett

Gailes has hit the ground running. She’s making rounds throughout the city — meeting residents — and learning the community.

“So far, I done met a lot of good people. The hospitality been awesome. From day one I had people to reach out with open arms,” said Gailes.

Gailes says the safety of citizens and her officers is paramount. And she plans to work hand in hand with the mayor and the city council — to build up a top-rated police force in the city — that residents can trust.

“We gon’ enforce the law. We are under oath to do that.”