Lt. Atkinson leaves HPD for Irondale
Homewood Police Lt. Ken Atkinson said his goodbyes to his fellow officers and city officials at a going away party on July 28. After 22 years with Homewood, Atkinson is taking the position of police chief for the Irondale Police Department.
Friends and coworkers shared their memories and thoughts at the going away party, as did Atkinson’s father, former police officer and mayor Jimmy Atkinson. Current Mayor Scott McBrayer presented a resolution recognizing Atkinson’s service.
Seeing the large crowd gathered to say goodbye and sign a book of well wishes, Atkinson said he was “humbled” that so many people wanted to attend.
Atkinson grew up in Homewood, and Deputy Chief Bob Copus said he remembers seeing Atkinson grow from a high school student to an officer. They worked together on many projects, including the Law Enforcement Torch Run to support the Special Olympics. Copus said Atkinson was “vitally” part of several programs, including DARE, the SWAT team and training programs.
“I’m more excited to see him get an opportunity to grow,” Copus said. “He’ll just keep getting better.”
Copus said he hopes someday Atkinson might have an opportunity to return to Homewood.
After living in Homewood for more than 40 years, Atkinson said it’s difficult to leave a place and people he knows and loves. He starts his new position on Monday, Aug. 3, and has already been meeting city officials in Irondale.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge, but I wouldn’t give anything for the years at Homewood,” Atkinson said.
He said the greatest lesson he learned in his time at HPD was to treat other people the way he wanted to be treated.
In addition to teaching DARE in Homewood elementary schools, Atkinson was a 22-year crossing guard for Hall-Kent Elementary. Atkinson has seen children from his early years grow up and get married. Some parents came to the party to express how much they’ll miss him.
“Working with DARE and standing at the corner of Hall-Kent are my fondest memories,” Atkinson said.