APD’s Officer of the Week is Sgt. Nic Ireland. Sgt. Ireland began his law enforcement career almost 12 years ago.

He has been employed with the Andalusia Police Department for more than eight of those.

He is currently serving as sergeant over C Shift under the direction of Lt. Alice Donaldson. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

His current duties include patrol supervisor, IRT team leader, sniper, and a FBI firearms instructor.

He recently retired his K9 partner, Zico, after serving as a K9 Handler for more than 10 years. Sgt. Ireland and his wife, Keri, make their home in Covington County with their two daughters.

In his spare time Sgt, Ireland enjoys saltwater fishing, pulling for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Andalusia Bulldogs on the football fields.

His favorite meal is New York strip steak (rare), loaded baked potato, asparagus and carrot cake for dessert.

He had the following advice for anyone wanting to join the law enforcement community, “Be willing to give up yourself for others and always be honest. The rest of the tools you will need can be taught.”

When choosing law enforcement as his career path he said that the brotherhood like in the military and the ability to make a difference in the lives of others made it the right decision for him. Sgt. Ireland plans to continue his career at Andalusia Police Department and looks forward to moving ahead in the ranks.

“Well-trained, disciplined, and motivated. Those three words describe the type of sergeant that Nic has grown into,” Chief Paul Hudson said. “He never turns down an opportunity to learn more or to become more educated. He is not only a leader to the shift he supervises, but also possesses the ability to lead others in the Department as well.

“I’ve known Nic for a long time, I have worked with Nic side by side on the road, on IRT call outs, and I am proud of how he is growing into a stronger leader for the younger officers at APD,” he said. “In our jobs, it is always important to stay ahead of the danger, be aware of the ever-changing circumstances around us, and always be prepared for what may come next. Sgt. Ireland does an outstanding job at keeping his officers prepared and ready for their next tour. I’m proud to have him at APD and am excited about the job he will continue to do for us and the city.”