OPELIKA, Ala. – The City of Opelika announces the retirement of Opelika Police Chief John McEachern effective November 30, 2020. Chief McEachern was appointed OPD Chief in April 2013 and has served as OPD Chief for nearly eight years.
“John McEachern has done an outstanding job as our Police Chief and will not be easy to replace. He has faithfully dedicated himself to his job, his employees, and the Opelika community. We will miss him and wish him the best as he moves into a new chapter in his life,” said Mayor Gary Fuller.
The city will soon begin the search for a new police chief, accepting applications from both internal and external applicants. All open positions are posted on the city’s website. Applications may be completed on the city’s website.
Chief McEachern shared that he has been blessed with a career in law enforcement for more than 46 years. He stated that it has been an honor and privilege to lead one of the finest police departments in the country. Chief McEachern started his law enforcement career with the OPD in January 1974. In August 1988 he left Opelika and began his career with the FBI serving for 24 years in the Pittsburg Division, Las Angeles Field Office, and Mobile Division.
“My decision to retire has not been an easy one. I will forever be grateful to Mayor Gary Fuller and the citizens of Opelika for allowing me to lead the Opelika Police Department and honor the oath to ‘Serve and Protect’. I have no doubt that city leadership will hire the best candidate to continue moving Opelika forward,” said Chief McEachern.
