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...

Orange Beach Performing Arts Center Stock Image
By R. Ken Cooper June 12, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Performing Arts Center is hosting its first-ever summer theatre camp this July. The program, Coastal Spotlight, is open to students ages eight to 13. The camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event marks a new chapter in youth arts programming for Orange Be
Saturday is Free Fishing Day in Alabama
By R. Ken Cooper June 12, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources designates one Saturday each June as Free Fishing Day statewide. Gulf Coast anglers have a special reason to take notice this year. Free Fishing Day falls during Alabama's red snapper season, opening a rare window for saltwater fi
Foley's new Public Library will be open in early August.
By R. Ken Cooper June 12, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Public Library is preparing to relocate to a brand-new facility this summer. The library will temporarily close to allow staff to transfer materials and set up operations at the new facility. The new location will offer residents a modern community library space. The move marks a signif
Stop by the Foley Main Street booth at Yabba's Wacky Snack Shack, 100 West Laurel Ave, to participat
By R. Ken Cooper June 11, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley is gearing up for a big summer. Foley Main Street is launching a new Downtown Foley Passport program at its upcoming Third Thursday event. The program offers visitors a fun way to explore local businesses and earn rewards. It also aligns with the nation's upcoming 250th birthday ce
2026 Independence Day Celebrations, recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the United States
By R. Ken Cooper June 11, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Communities across Alabama’s Gulf Coast are preparing for a special Independence Day celebration recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States, with Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley planning multi-day events centered on fireworks, public gatherings, and family activities expec
Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show takes place in July.
By R. Ken Cooper June 11, 2026
Pensacola Beach, Fla. — (OBA) — Pensacola Beach will host its 2026 air show this summer, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the center of the four-day event. The schedule includes practice flights, aerobatic acts, and the official show day. Organizers will highlight both the Blue Angels’ 80th anniversary and America’s
Perdido Key Chamber Leadership Program - Stock Image
By R. Ken Cooper June 10, 2026
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce has opened applications for its 2026-2027 Leadership Perdido Key class. The program is among the area's top leadership development opportunities. It is designed to educate, inspire, and connect leaders across the Perdido Key community. Both current
Instructor Brock Harris & Student Walker Grogan
By John Mullen June 10, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores City Schools' groundbreaking aviation program will be featured on a segment of Alabama Public Television this summer. The segment is part of an annual effort by APT to showcase tech and trade school programs around the state, around the time of the Career Tech summer conference.
Flora-Bama Freedom Run is now in its 6th year
By R. Ken Cooper June 10, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Flora-Bama is preparing to celebrate America in a big way. The famous landmark on the Florida-Alabama state line is hosting its 6th Annual Freedom Run on Independence Day. The event features a 4-mile run and walk, plus a 1-mile fun run for those seeking a shorter distance. A portion of
Orange Beach Recreation Campus is Expanding
By R. Ken Cooper June 9, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach officials are moving forward with plans to expand and improve the city’s Recreation Campus. The site has grown significantly over the past two decades and now serves as a central hub for residents and visitors. City leaders say the goal is to better meet rising demand. Propose
Show More