- October 28, 2024
Chris Rutherford Appointed First Poarch Creek Tribal Citizen to Serve as Police Chief
Atmore, Ala. – Chris Rutherford recently made history as he took oath as the first Poarch Creek Tribal Citizen to serve as the Police Chief for the Poarch Creek Tribal Police Department. The event was held on October 28 in the Executive Tribal Chamber as Chief Rutherford was surrounded by co-workers, friends, and family.
Rutherford, a longtime member of the department, steps into his role with years of dedicated service to the community. He began his career 32 years ago with the Tribe as a mechanic and eventually joined the Tribal Police in 1998. Most recently, he has served as Interim Chief.
He has a history of public service in his family, with his father serving in the U.S. Army and his grandfather serving as a fire chief. Rutherford’s journey has also been marked by a strong commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of his community. Rutherford served in the Alabama National Guard and is also a certified firefighter. He says the role is a tremendous honor and one that he will not take lightly.
His supervisor, Bruce Lee, Director of Public Safety, witnessed Chris’s growth over the years. “Chris has worked very hard to prepare himself for this role, and his close connection to the Tribe and community makes him the perfect fit.”
Tribal Chair Stephanie A. Bryan also spoke about the significance of the moment. “Chris represents the strength and dedication of our people. His achievement is a significant milestone for our Tribe and a testament to the potential we have within our community. We look forward to his leadership and the positive impact he will continue to make.”
Rutherford’s appointment as Police Chief marks a new chapter for the Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Police Department, as well as a moment of pride for the entire Poarch community. His leadership is expected to bring an innovative and community-centered approach to law enforcement while honoring the rich traditions of the Tribe.
Contact:
Kristin Hellmich
communicationsinfo@pci-nsn.gov
(251) 359-8554
About the Poarch Creek Indians:
The Poarch Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. From hospitality to aerospace, we continue to operate in a variety of industries across the World. Read more about our Tribe here.