OPD Chief Shane Healey announces retirement after 35 years of service
The city of Opelika has announced Police Chief Shane Healey will retire on March 1, 2026, after 35 years of service. The retirement follows a career defined by leadership, innovation, and deep community commitment.
Image: City of Opelika
Mayor Eddie Smith praised Healey’s legacy in law enforcement and in the community, describing him as “a stellar leader and an exceptional public servant.”
“His dedication, integrity and steady guidance have made a profound difference in the lives of countless residents and officers alike,” Smith said. “We are deeply grateful for his years of service to Opelika, and while he will certainly be missed, his impact will be felt for many years to come.”
A Career Built From the Ground Up
Healey’s journey with the Opelika Police Department began in February 1991, when he worked as a paid informant with OPD narcotics detectives. He soon became a communications operator and later joined the patrol division, graduating as the Top Academy Graduate in 1992. His early years included roles as a patrol officer, traffic enforcement specialist, and member of the Robbery Task Force.
In 1999, Healey moved to the Investigative Services Division, focusing on crimes against children. His leadership quickly became evident, earning him a promotion to Corporal in 2000 and command of that unit. Promotions to Sergeant in 2005 and Lieutenant in 2012 followed, with Healey taking on key supervisory roles in patrol, traffic homicide, and watch command.
Healey was promoted to Captain in May 2014. Over the next several years, he commanded the Special Services Division, the Investigative Services Division, and twice led the Patrol Division. In 2020, he was selected as the inaugural commander of a division dedicated to community outreach, a role that positioned him for his appointment as Chief of Police in January 2021.
Transformational Leadership as Chief
Upon becoming Chief, Healey launched the Together Opelika initiative, a department-wide effort emphasizing transparency, education, and partnership with residents. The program contributed to a 6.9% reduction in major crime and a measurable rise in public support.
Under his leadership, OPD expanded its crisis intervention training and helped establish the East Alabama Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program to better respond to mental health emergencies. His forward-thinking approach also ensured that, even amid national staffing shortages, Opelika’s police force remained fully staffed, which is an achievement city leaders attribute to his focus on department culture, resources, and professional development.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the citizens of Opelika for 35 years,” Healey said. “Through every challenge and triumph, we have experienced tremendous growth together. My goal has always been to spark positive change right here in Opelika, and I am confident that the foundation we have built ensures this department is poised for continued success. I look forward to seeing the bright future ahead.”
Local and National Recognition
Beyond his OPD service, Healey is a nationally recognized expert in law enforcement standards. Since 2018, he has served as a certified expert witness in U.S. District Court on matters involving police use of force and policy.
His accolades include the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Visionary Award (2023) and the first Opelika Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Leadership Award, which was later renamed the Shane D. Healey Leadership Award in his honor.
Service Beyond the Badge
Healey’s commitment to Opelika extends well beyond policing. He serves on the boards of The Curtis House and Envision Opelika, organizations focused on strengthening under-resourced neighborhoods and enhancing local quality of life. He is also a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Board and the Lee County E911 Board.
A graduate of Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College, Healey completed Leadership Lee County in 2019 and has contributed as a guest lecturer and consultant for the Auburn University Food Defense group.
Healey and his wife, Christie Ray Hill, share five children and two grandchildren.
Community Celebration Planned
The community is invited to celebrate Chief Healey’s career and retirement on February 20, 2026, at the Opelika Public Library, located at 1100 Glenn Street.
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