Rockford welcomes new police chief
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Rockford Mayor Scott White welcomes Chief of Police George Fanning, left, following his oath of office during his swearing-in ceremony. Photo submitted
By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
Following action taken during a recent Town Council meeting, the Town of Rockford officially welcomed its new chief of police last Monday.
Police Chief George Fanning had his swearing-in ceremony during which he took his oath of office November 28. That also marked his first day on the job, and he began work following the ceremony.
Fanning has been in law enforcement for 18 years, starting at Chilton County Jail in 2002. He then went on to the Jefferson County Police Academy in 2004.
Fanning has served as a supervisor with the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office and also spent two years on the Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Additionally, he served as the school resource officer at Maplesville High School in Chilton County.
Regarding how he became interested in the Rockford job, he said that he saw the police chief job posting online and felt like with his background and experience he would be a good fit for the Town of Rockford.
While he just officially began his role last week, Fanning already has some ideas for things he would like to add to the Police Department and bring to the town.
Fanning said that he is starting a Vacation Watch Program for residents within Rockford’s police jurisdiction.
Explaining how this new program would work, he said, “Whenever someone is going out of town, if they will get with the Police Department a week ahead of time then I will come to the home and look at security issues I might see while they are gone.”
“Then while they are gone, I will come to the home and walk around to make sure their home has not been broken into or windows broken,” Fanning added.
He said that there will also be a log of when the Police Department goes to anyone’s home.
Thus far Fanning said that the biggest issues he is hearing about are drivers running the 4-way stop, as well as speeding coming into town.
“I would like to see the Police Department and town grow together,” Fanning said. “I really like Rockford’s small-town feel.”
Fanning added, “I also have an open-door policy so if anyone needs anything and I can help, I’m here. Just let me know.”