SUMMERDALE — Summerdale’s police chief is officially on duty.

During Monday’s Summerdale Town Council meeting, Mayor David Wilson issued the oath of office to Jimmy Davis. Davis took the oath with his hand resting on a Bible his wife Dottie held.

“That was her great-great grandmother’s Bible,” Davis said.

The ceremony took place in front of a crowd that included Summerdale residents, Davis’ friends and family, chiefs of police from Fairhope, Foley and Robertsdale, and Baldwin County Sheriff Hoss Mack.

“I’d like to congratulate the town of Summerdale for what’s about to occur here tonight,” Mack said.

It was followed by a party of refreshments in Davis’ honor.

Davis comes to Summerdale after serving in numerous capacities for almost 20 years at Fairhope Police Department. The father of two boys also worked part-time at Gulf Shores Police Department. He beat out approximately 30 other applicants to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Eddie Ingram in April.

“We have been without a police chief for a couple of months,” Wilson said.

However, the mayor said, Summerdale Police officers and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department filled the void during that time.

Wilson expressed his appreciation of Davis for joining the Summerdale Police force.

“It’s a blessing,” the mayor said. “We’re going to pledge, as a mayor and council, to give them 100 percent of our support.”

In turn, Davis shared his own feelings about his new venture.

“When I first came and did interviews, it was like I was coming home,” he told the crowd during Monday’s ceremony.

Davis is a Mobile native, where he grew up before his family moved the Fairhope. He graduated from Fairhope High School before serving a four-year tour of duty with the U.S. Marine Corps.

The new police chief said his love of law enforcement is a family tradition.

“I’m the fourth generation,” he said.

That includes his parents.

“My father was a state trooper,” Davis said. “My mom was a probation officer. They met in jail, booking people.”

Davis brings to Summerdale a career that includes numerous facets of the Fairhope Police Department that ended with serving as patrol superviser. That also includes training that will be beneficial in his new undertaking.

“I’m very fortunate and thank the city of Fairhope to allow me to go to school,” Davis said, adding that his training included both Police Academy and the FBI Academy.

Now that he’s in Summerdale, Davis will receive more training that will equip him for his position as police chief. In addition, the police force will receive new uniforms.

“We’re going to go with more of the midnight navy,” he said, explaining that the suits will be made of a poly-rayon material that reflects the sun instead of absorbing it like dark colors traditionally do.

While Davis got to meet some Summerdale folks Monday, he hopes to have the opportunity to meet more.

“Probably toward the end of the summer, I’d like to have a meet-and-greet with the Police Department,” he said, adding that of he gets City Council approval, the event would include a guided tour.

Davis has additional ideas, too.

“I’m stealing an idea,” he joked. “I’d like to put together a citizen’s advisory committee.”

That committee would involve members of the community in the law-enforcement process on an advisory level.

In addition, Davis plans to make use of the Summerdale Police Department’s FaceBook page and let residents know about CrimeReports.com, a website that provides details about crime in specific communities.

But that’s not all.

“We are going to start up, again, the gun-safety course,” Davis said, adding that he is working to ensure the instructors are certified.

As for his approach toward his new position, Davis said it all boils down to helping people.

“I like helping the community,” he said. “Generally, it’s all about helping the community and making sure everybody’s safe.”

Davis welcomes feedback, suggestions and questions from the community.

“Anytime you need anything, please, please give me a call,” the middle of four children said.

Davis also offered his email address, which is chief@summerdalealabama.com.