Opelika police chief to retire in 2026

Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey/Courtesy: Opelika Police Department

Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey says he will retire from his position in 2026.

Chief Healey started with Opelika PD in February 1991 as a paid informant with the narcotics division. He later served as a communications operator before joining the patrol division, where he earned the Top Graduate Award at the Police Academy in 1992. His early tenure provided him with a diverse operational background, including service as a patrol officer, traffic enforcement specialist, and a member of the Robbery Task Force.

In 1999, Healey transitioned to the Investigative Services Division, specializing in crimes against children. Healey was later promoted to Corporal in 2000 to command that section. Over the next decade, he advanced through the ranks to Sergeant and Lieutenant, taking on supervisory roles in patrol, traffic homicide, and watch command.

In May 2014, Healey was promoted to Captain where he commanded the Special Services Division, the Investigative Services Division and serving two tenures as commander of the Patrol Division.

In the summer of 2020, he was selected as the inaugural commander of a newly created division dedicated to community outreach—a role that set the stage for his selection as Chief of Police in January 2021.

As Chief of Police, Healey prioritized the unification of law enforcement and the community through the ‘Together Opelika’ initiative. Focusing on transparency and education, this strategic approach has yielded tangible results, including a 6.9% reduction in major crime and a measurable increase in public support. These innovative efforts have garnered significant acclaim, resulting in numerous community awards and national recognition through features by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He modernized the agency’s approach to public safety by fully supporting the advancement of officer crisis intervention training and the development of the East Alabama Crisis Intervention Team Program to better address mental health crises.

Chief Healey is married to Christie Ray Hill, and together they have five children and two grandchildren.

The community is invited to a retirement celebration on February 20, 2026, at the Opelika Public Library. His retirement is effective on March 1, 2026.