Carden will be sworn in as chief of police during a public service Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Faye Hosey Council Chambers at City Hall.
Carden was promoted to chief by a unanimous vote at the May 15 City Council meeting.
He served as interim for nearly six months after former Police Chief Louis Zook accepted a position as law enforcement coordinator for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
Carden, who been with the Sylacauga Police Department for 18 years, said, “Being police chief is something I always dreamed of, but I never pictured it actually happening. I’m excited about the opportunity.”
During his interview for the job with the council, Carden said he gained interest in the chief position as his career progressed.
“It wasn’t my original intent, but I started getting some promotions and learning more on the administration side, and then when I went to National Academy in 2003, I really gained an interest in it,” he said. “When I made captain, Louis started transitioning some of the responsibility to me, and I really got my feet wet during that period.”
Carden told the council that he would most like to improve the police department’s accessibility to the public.
“Law enforcement has a tendency to put up their fists and surround themselves only with law enforcement,” he said. “Especially in a community our size, we get separated from the people, and I think we’ve done that a little bit.”
Carden said he has some special guests coming for the ceremony.
“My great-uncle retired Col. Cecil Moore, originally from Sylacauga, will be here. His family is driving him. He left Sylacauga in 1939 to join the Army, hitch hiking to Macon, Ga.,” Carden said.
Also, Carden’s basic training drill sergeant is flying in from El Paso, Tex.
“His name is Vincent T. Crosby. We have maintained a friendship through the years,” the chief said.
Talladega County Circuit Court Judge Julian King will swear Carden in Tuesday.
Carden is joined in his promotion by Sgt. Rondell Muse, who is promoted to lieutenant effective June 1 and will be recognized at the June 19 council meeting at 6 p.m.
Contact Emily Adams at eadams@dailyhome.com.
