Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox appointed Police Chief Brent Blankley as the city’s new executive director of public safety Tuesday. Deputy Chief Severn “Sebo” Sanders was also appointed as acting chief of police.
Both will assume their new roles effective Jan. 19.
Blankley has served with the Tuscaloosa Police Department since 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Alabama.
“The challenges facing our E-911 dispatchers, firefighters, mental health social workers, and police officers have never been greater,” Maddox said. “Understanding this, our City Council authorized the creation of an Executive Director of Public Safety position to enhance the City’s preparedness, training and responses to the threats facing our community.
Maddox said he was proud to appoint Blankley to the role.”
“Since he was appointed Police Chief in 2020, he has driven significant reductions in crime and proven himself as a dedicated and innovative leader,” Maddox said.
Blankley began his career as a patrol officer and has served in several leadership positions, including Public Information Officer, Criminal Justice Intern Coordinator, Tuscaloosa County Crime Stoppers Coordinator, Midnight Shift Patrol Commander and Commander of Municipal Security. He also assisted in the development of the department’s Citizens Academy program.
“This new role will allow me to continue serving Tuscaloosa with a focus on the City’s broader public safety mission,” Blankley said. “Long-term planning and coordination across all public safety agencies guarantees we’ll maintain consistent services to the community as our City continues to grow.”
Maddox also appointed Deputy Chief Severn “Sebo” Sanders as acting Chief of Police, effective January 19, 2026. The appointment follows Blankley’s transition from police chief to the new executive director of public safety, leaving the chief role temporarily vacant.
“Chief Sanders brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to community policing,” Maddox said. “I know he will continue to lead with professionalism and respect at the forefront.”
Sanders has served with the Tuscaloosa Police Department for 29 years and most recently held the role of Deputy Chief of Community Policing, supervising the Behavioral Intervention Team and School Resource Officers and directed community-focused programs such as the Police Athletic League. He has also worked in patrol, narcotics and on SWAT.
“I am honored to accept this role to continue serving the Tuscaloosa community,” he said. “Our priority will remain ensuring safety and continuing to build the trust of our citizens through respect and professionalism in every interaction.”
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