After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the future leadership of the Selma Police Department, city leaders announced Wednesday that Police Chief Kenta Fulford is stepping down from his role and returning to his previous rank within the department.
) - After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the future leadership of the Selma Police Department, city leaders announced Wednesday that Police Chief Kenta Fulford is stepping down from his role and returning to his previous rank within the department.
The decision came during a specially called Selma City Council meeting where council members unanimously voted to approve a negotiated settlement agreement between the city and Fulford. Fulford did not attend the meeting. The agreement officially ends Fulford’s six-year tenure as chief and comes after city leaders initiated disciplinary proceedings against him earlier this year.
According to the agreement read publicly during the meeting by Selma City Council President Kennard Randolph, the city had begun due process procedures to remove Fulford from office for what officials described as “conduct detrimental to good order or discipline,” including “habitual neglect of duty” and “repeated and consistent failure to perform assignments and tasks. ” Randolph said Fulford had requested a hearing after receiving notice of the allegations and that attorneys for both sides exchanged documents ahead of the scheduled proceedings.
However, negotiations ultimately resulted in a settlement before the hearing took place.
“An agreement has been reached with Kenta Fulford,” Randolph said during the meeting. “All council members have been provided with a copy of the agreement. ” Under the agreement, Fulford immediately resigned as chief effective May 6, 2026, and will return to his previous classified position as lieutenant with corresponding pay and benefits tied to his years of service. The agreement also notes Fulford is anticipating retirement in the near future.
Following the vote, Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III said the city is focused on moving forward and avoiding a lengthy public disciplinary hearing.
“Anytime you have a change in leadership, we’re just glad we were able to conduct this in a very civilized manner,” Perkins said in a one-on-one interview with WSFA 12 News. “I think this is better for our city. I really didn’t want to go through the public hearing process. ” Moss confirmed Fulford was not required to attend the meeting because the agreement had already been finalized before council members gathered Wednesday evening.
“He knew the paperwork was signed, and he knew that the resolution had been reached,” Perkins said. “I didn’t expect him to show up, quite frankly. ” The mayor said the city will continue operating under Interim Chief Michael Perry’s leadership while officials determine whether to permanently appoint him or open the position to outside applicants.
“We’re just going to make sure that our citizens are being safe, the police force — there’s no gaps in leadership,” Moss said. The leadership change comes as city leaders continue facing public concerns about crime and safety in Selma. Moss, who has repeatedly emphasized public safety during his first months in office, said the decision reflects a broader effort to strengthen the department and improve operations.
“I ran on crime and safety, and that’s one of my main points and our focus,” Moss said. “Because we have to have a safe city. If we want to invite tourism, we have to have a safe city. If we want to encourage investment.
” Moss also pointed to what he described as the need for more proactive leadership within the department.
“I think our officers deserve leadership that’s steady, leadership that’s responsive, proactive not reactive,” he said. “And I think our citizens deserve that. ” The city’s official press release issued Wednesday evening stated that officials have spent several months conducting a “comprehensive review” of police department operations, including administrative oversight, operational accountability, overtime management, and departmental structure. The release also states city leaders remain committed to strengthening recruitment efforts, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring continuity in public safety services.
“Our focus moving forward is ensuring that the Selma Police Department is properly staffed, properly supported, and operating with strong accountability and leadership,” Moss said in the release. Fulford served with the Selma Police Department for more than 20 years and spent the last six years leading the agency as chief. City leaders say additional information regarding long-term leadership plans and operational initiatives within the department will be announced separately.
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