FROM TONY GARRETT
CENTRAL ALABAMA CRIMESTOPPERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Top Photo: District Judge Adrian Johnson, Chief DeMarcus Weems, Tony Garrett, Lowndes County Sheriff Chris West
Chief Demarcus Weems and Lowndes County Sheriff Chief Deputy R. McKitt
Recommendation for DeMarcus K. Weems as CrimeStopper of the Year
Rank: Police Chief
Years of Service: Six years in law enforcement, 8 months as Police Chief (at the time of this letter)
Dear Mr. Garrett:
I am Sandra Thomas and it is with great pleasure that recommend DeMarcus K. Weems as Officer of the Year. DeMarcus has gone above and beyond the call of just protect and serve. He exemplifies the word “Serve.” He’s not only dedicated to his department but his community, as well.
Summary:
On May 28, 2020, In the middle of the pandemic, the town council of Mosses swore in DeMarcus Weems as the new police chief. He was born and raised on the westside of Montgomery, AL. Like many, he suffered many hardships. His mother was very ill; his father was addicted to drugs but he was blessed to have a loving and caring grandmother who raised him as her own. It was she who taught DeMarcus about the importance of hard work, service and giving back to his community. DeMarcus graduated from Carver High School before going off to college. He received both his bachelors’ (broadcast journalism-2011) and his masters’ degree (criminal justice) from Troy University. While working on his masters’ degree, DeMarcus also graduated from the Montgomery Police Academy in 2014.
As Police Chief, DeMarcus has worked diligently to not only protect and serve the town of Mosses but to give back, as well. On September 26, 2020, he held a “Stop the Violence Rally” where he incorporated voter registration and assistance with completing the 2020 census, while being entertained with music, food and free merchandise from vendors. This community event engaged the citizens with law enforcement to show that in order for the community to stay safe, everyone has to do their part.
On October 24, 2020, DeMarcus also held the first ever in the town of Mosses “Breast Cancer Walk.” He called it A day of Healing. Despite the rainy weather, people came out to support survivors of breast cancer. This catered event included a breakfast, vendors highlighted the importance of nutrition and beauty and provided educational materials and gave testimonials about the importance of getting regular breast examinations.
During the month of October, the town of Mosses ranked #1 in unemployment for the state of Alabama. As the holidays were approaching, Chief Weems planned and carried out Mosses “Inaugural Turkey Fest,” where members of the community were given free turkeys. During this event over 200 turkeys were given to the citizens. When asked why he held this event, he said, that with the current pandemic, he didn’t want any of the citizens he serves to go without the main course to this traditional holiday meal.
And of course, he didn’t forget about Christmas! Chief Weems partnered with Kicking for Change to provide over 70 new coats to the children of Mosses. He also partnered with Montgomery Council on Aging to provide 75 hot meals and bags of groceries to the seniors of Mosses.
These times are filled with uncertainty and people are hurting! As a citizen of Alabama, it is refreshing to see and hear about someone in law enforcement giving back to the community. Chief Weems has on occasion shared how important it is for him to shed a positive light on law enforcement, especially so that young people can see that they can still depend on the police to protect and serve. Chief Weems believes in order to protect the people you must serve the people.
