CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman High School graduate, avid community supporter, 24-year police veteran and Diet Grapico enthusiast Joey Duncan officially took on the role of Cullman Police chief on Oct.1.
The 43-year-old recently sat down with The Tribune to share a little about himself with the community he cherishes and serves.
“I am a graduate of Cullman High School and I started with the Cullman Police Department in 2000,” Duncan said. “I’ve been married for 21 years to my wife, Joy. She’s a nurse and we have one son, Chase. He’s a senior at Cullman High School. Some of my hobbies are kayaking, fishing and watching football games (Alabama and New Orleans Saints).”
Duncan said he was humbled and honored to be selected as the new police chief.
“Since being appointed as chief, I’m seeing the operations of the agency from a different perspective and trying to find more ways for us to get involved in the community. I love this city,” he said. “One of the new things going forward will be reinstating the Traffic Unit. This specialized unit will focus on reducing fatal, injury and property type crashes. This unit will take crash data and focus on the improper driver behavior that is causing the crashes, as well as locations of the high crash areas, and focus on reducing traffic complaints.”
With 24 years in law enforcement, Duncan has many memories to share, but there have been a few that stick with him and remain unforgettable.
“One the worst memories was working patrol and watching a EF4 tornado destroy our town and feeling helpless because there was nothing we could do to stop it,” he said. “However, in the days that followed watching all the citizens come together to help one another was a great memory and something I’ll never forget.”
About community relations, Duncan shared, the department will continue to have a great working relationship with residents.
“We have plans to expand our community outreach programs in the future,” Duncan said. “Some of the events we currently do through the department are Trunk or Treat, Shop with a Cop, Coffee with a Cop, community cookouts and community speaking engagements. We would love for everyone in the community to come out and join us for Trunk or Treat on Tuesday, Oct. 29from 6-8 p.m.”
At the Cullman City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, then Sgt. Duncan was appointed chief, effective Oct. 1.
The Tribune reported at the time:
He began his career in July of 2000 as a part-time correctional officer with the Cullman Police Department. He pursued a degree in criminal justice at Wallace State Community College, and in 2001, he became a full-time correctional officer and transitioned to patrol duties in 2004. He was promoted to patrol supervisor in 2019.
In 2021, Duncan became the supervisor of the Traffic Unit. He returned to a patrol supervisor position in 2024 and has served as the coordinator for the Field Training Program and the Traffic Homicide Unit, establishing himself as a certified Traffic Accident Reconstructionist. Most recently, he held the role of interim patrol captain.
“I am humbled, excited and grateful to represent the great citizens of this community,” Duncan shared.
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