Morgan Freeman helps Gulf Shores narrow down police officer candidates

Gulf Shores Police Department • October 19, 2021

Nine make it to the interview with committee

Photo of the selection committee hiring new officers for Gulf Shores, Alabama,  PD including Morgan Freeman.

More than 100 persons submitted applications to become Gulf Shores Police Officers over the last three months. About half of those were invited to test for the position last Friday which included an orientation, physical agility testing, and written examinations.  Only nine made it to the interview process that afternoon.


The interview portion of our selection process is conducted by GSPD command level officers, at least one police officer with command rank from another agency, and members of our community.


This time the panel included:


Professor Linda Keena.

Dr. Keena is a Gulf Shores resident and teaches Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at the University of Mississippi – “Ole Miss.”


Morgan Freeman.

Mr. Freeman is a resident of Gulf Shores. He is an award-winning actor, director, producer, and narrator. He is also a veteran of the United States Air Force. Mr. Freeman and Professor Keena recently donated $1 million to establish the Center of Evidence-Based Policing and Reform at the University of Mississippi.


Sergeant Major (Ret) Bryan Battaglia.

Sergeant Major Battaglia is a Gulf Shores area resident and a retired United States Marine. He served as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


Deputy Chief of Police Daniel Netemeyer


Chief of Police Edward Delmore


Chief Scott Stewart.

Chief Stewart has served in law enforcement for 32 years and is currently the Chief of Police in Brunswick, Maine.


David Bass.

Mr. Bass is a Gulf Shores Resident. He retired in 2017 after serving most recently as the Assistant Sergeant at Arms for the United States Senate.

GSPD Chief Delmore and Deputy Chief Netemeyer wish to thank the panel for volunteering their time during this crucial process.


The next steps for the remaining candidates include extensive background investigations, psychological examinations, medical evaluations, polygraph examinations, and drug screening.


GSPD has one current opening for the sworn police officer position and anticipates additional positions becoming available in 2022.


Pictured in the photo are (L to R)

Mr. Freeman

Dr. Keena

Sergeant Major Battaglia

Deputy Chief Netemeyer

Chief Delmore

Chief Stewart

Mr. Bass

Share this article w/ Friends...

Tacky Jack's Gulf Shores - Tacky Jack's Orange Beach
By K. Cooper September 10, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Wine Tastings with Winston are returning to Tacky Jacks for a seven-month series in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Each event will feature four wines paired with four small plates, and guests will learn about each selection. The tastings will be held in an outdoor waterfront setting.
Perdido Key Chamber Leadership Class
By K. Cooper September 10, 2026
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the 12 participants selected for the 2026–2027 Leadership Perdido Key Class III. The program is designed to develop informed, connected, and engaged leaders across the region. Participants will gain an inside look at the people, organi
2025 Orange Beach Senior Center Chili Cook-Off
By K. Cooper September 10, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is turning up the heat this fall with its second annual Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-Off. The community event pits senior-focused organizations against one another in a friendly competition to determine who makes the best chili. The public is invited to come out and cast the
The Portside at the Wharf
By OBA Staff September 9, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Game Day on the Green is back at The Wharf in Orange Beach, giving football fans along the Alabama Gulf Coast a reason to get excited. The popular outdoor watch party returns to Portside on Main for another college football season. The event will run every Saturday throughout the fall. It
Gulf State Park Pier Cleanup
By K. Cooper September 9, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is hosting its fall Dive Against Debris event at the Saltwater Pier. The cleanup is open to scuba divers, snorkelers, and other water enthusiasts. The event is held in partnership with Down Under Dive Shop. Participants can expect free gear and the chance to m
Chicago Street Supper Club
By K. Cooper September 9, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Chicago Street Supper Club is returning to downtown Foley, and organizers have announced the five local chefs who will lead the culinary experience. The event will feature a cocktail hour followed by a four-course dinner under the lights of the downtown district. Each chef will lead a course,
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
By OBA Staff September 8, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is preparing for one of its most popular annual events. The Harvest Moon Festival offers guests a rare chance to experience the zoo after hours. It features activities for all ages and serves as a key fundraiser for animal care and conservation efforts. The event i
Gulf Shores City Hall
By K. Cooper September 8, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Major infrastructure enhancements take center stage in Gulf Shores as city leaders review more than $2.4 million in federal grants for Jack Edwards National Airport terminal expansion projects and consider doubling the local water treatment capacity.
Foley City Hall
By K. Cooper September 8, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley city leaders are preparing to take decisive action to advance technological growth and municipal operations through key legislative measures. Council members will hold a public hearing and a second reading on a temporary moratorium on high-demand data centers and cryptocurrency-mining facili
Orange Beach Shoreline Cleanup Barge
By OBA Staff September 7, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A long-running marine cleanup effort in Orange Beach is showing strong results again this year. The city's Waterways and Shoreline Enhancement Program (WSEP) has already collected 65,000 pounds of debris from local waterways and shorelines. The program covers more than 46 miles of beach, m
Show More