Bill Partridge 🇺🇸

Over the past year, I have given careful and thoughtful consideration to establishing a timeline for my retirement. This decision has not been an easy one. There is never a perfect time to step away from something you love, but there is a right time. Law enforcement has been my life, and this department has been a big part of it. I have genuinely cherished almost every day of my service. I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work alongside the finest staff a police chief could hope to serve with. Their dedication to this community is evident in every interaction and every call for service. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment have been the cornerstone of this department’s success. Over the past 39 years, we have come a long way. I was privileged to begin my career under outstanding mentors and to receive exceptional training. Together, we have advanced this department into one of the most technologically capable in the state, while continually striving to improve how we serve and protect our community. No police chief can be effective without strong community support, cohesive political leadership, and a dedicated staff. I have been fortunate to experience all three. Working collaboratively, we have made meaningful progress in enhancing the safety and quality of life for the citizens we serve. I will retire effective May 1, 2026. It has been a profound honor to serve the citizens of Oxford. This department and its members mean more to me than words can adequately express. To the men and women of this department: continue to treat people the way you would want your family treated, and you will continue to earn the respect and trust of the community. I will always pray for your safety. Please remain vigilant, know that I will always support you, and that I will continue to speak out on your behalf. Sincerely, Bill Partridge Chief of Police Director of Public Safety

Congratulations, Officer Jacob Evan Strunk on your graduation from the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy today. Jacob was the last officer I hired as chief. Congratulations, Jacob and stay safe.

Alabama launches partnership to create new law enforcement officers wvua23.com/news/alabama-l… via @wvua23

"Squad Fifty-One, this is Rampart…” The #LACoFD is saddened to hear that our dear friend, Randolph Mantooth passed away yesterday. Best known for portraying FFPM Johnny Gage in the iconic 1970s television series #Emergency, his character was an integral part of #Squad51, helping to popularize the paramedic and EMS system across the U.S. Randy was a great friend and supporter of our Department and Fire Museum. He will be truly missed but his memory and legacy will live on in our hearts and in our paramedic program. RIP 5️⃣1️⃣🚒🚑💔🕊️

@ACCS_Education and the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission announced a new certification pathway Thursday afternoon at the Alabama State House, opening a route for criminal justice students to earn full law enforcement certification alongside their associate degree. Read full story: yellowhammernews.com/alabama-commun… #Alabama #News #ACCS #Police

Senator John F. Kennedy reading the full Declaration of Independence, 1957.

The greatest nation on Earth! America 250🇺🇸

Happy 250th Birthday America! “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” - Ronald Reagan

"The Legacy of Secret Service Agent and U.S. Army Spc. 3 Clinton Hill" (U.S. Army Video by Derek Patterson / Arlington National Cemetery)

“Full Circle”: Secret Service Agent Clint Hill Laid to Rest at Arlington National Cemetery | arlingtoncemetery.mil/Blog/Post/1507…

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

On June 6, 1944, a 56-year-old general with a secret walked onto Utah Beach under fire, armed with a cane and a pistol. The secret: his heart was failing. He had hidden it from the army doctors so they wouldn't pull him from the mission. His name was Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Son of the President. He had begged three separate times to lead the first wave ashore at Normandy before his commanders finally said yes. When his landing craft drifted 2,000 yards off course, every instinct said redirect the following waves to the correct zone. Instead, Roosevelt walked the beach himself, alone, under artillery fire, cane in hand, reading the terrain. His verdict: "We'll start the war from right here." He then stood on that beach and personally greeted every regiment that landed after him, pointing them inland, cracking jokes under shellfire, steadying 18-year-olds who had never seen combat. He did this for hours. Years later, Omar Bradley was asked to name the single most heroic act he had ever witnessed in combat. His answer, without hesitation: "Ted Roosevelt on Utah Beach." Roosevelt's son, Captain Quentin Roosevelt II, also landed at Normandy that same morning. He was named after his uncle, Quentin Roosevelt, who had been shot down as a fighter pilot over France in World War I. Three generations. Three wars. One family. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. died in his sleep 36 days later. Heart attack. The thing he had been hiding finally won. He never learned he had been awarded the Medal of Honor. He was buried at the Normandy American Cemetery. In 1955, his family had his brother Quentin, killed in WWI, exhumed from where he fell in France and reinterred right beside him. Quentin is the only World War I soldier buried there. Two brothers. Two world wars. The same French soil. Their father had once said: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Both of his sons did exactly that.

The best D-Day speech given. June 6, 1984. #DDay2026

Never forget. D-Day.

Building Public Trust Through Effective Background Investigations The quality of a law enforcement agency is directly tied to the quality of the people it hires. While training and leadership are essential, the hiring process remains the first and most important safeguard against future misconduct, liability, and organizational disruption. A thorough background investigation provides far more than a review of an application or résumé. It helps agencies assess an applicant’s character, integrity, judgment, and suitability for public service. Employment history, criminal history, driving records, financial responsibility, references, social media activity, and personal interviews often reveal patterns that may not appear during a traditional interview. Poor hiring decisions can have lasting consequences—including misconduct investigations, civil liability, damaged community trust, and significant financial costs. Conversely, thorough investigations help agencies make informed decisions, reduce risk, and strengthen public confidence. Effective background investigations require more than phone calls and paperwork. They often involve in-person interviews with employers, references, neighbors, and colleagues to gain a complete picture of a candidate’s character and reputation. In Alabama, comprehensive background investigations are not only a best practice—they are required by law. More importantly, they are one of the most effective tools available to protect communities, preserve agency integrity, and ensure that those entrusted with the badge are worthy of the public’s trust. Every badge issued represents a promise to the community. Thorough background investigations help ensure that promise is kept.

#RiP Bob Horner (1957-2026)

Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy every day, and their courage will never be forgotten.

Congratulations to Phil Williams as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and Thomas Govan Jr. for the Middle District in a 46-43 vote in the US Senate. @NDALnews

@justin_lovvorn Outstanding service yesterday, Chief!

The Greenville area Law Enforcement Memorial Service was held yesterday at LBW in Greenville. We are grateful for the support of our community and all we serve. A special thank you to our guest speaker FBI Special Agent in Charge Sara Jones.

2026 Peace Officer Memorial Day. We remember. Chief of Police Robert Elonzo Sparks End of Watch Friday, May 7, 1948. Gunfire. Captain William Henry Beard End of Watch Friday, August 19, 1977. Gunfire. Lieutenant Dexter Holcomb End of Watch Friday, February 16, 2007. Struck by vehicle. Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God”