Selma swears in new police Chief Ettice Brickus in Thursday ceremony

History was made Thursday as Ettice Brickus was ceremonially sworn in as Selma's first female police chief and the first African American woman to lead the department.

Brickus was recognized during a special ceremony at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center. Brickus took the oath of office administered by Judge Vernetta Perkins, Selma's first African American district judge. 

The ceremony drew city officials, law enforcement officers, community leaders, family members and supporters from Selma and Baltimore, where Brickus served for 25 years with the Baltimore Police Department before accepting the Selma position. 

While speakers repeatedly referenced the historic significance of the appointment, Mayor Johnny Moss III said Brickus was selected because of her qualifications and leadership experience.

"Chief Brickus, your appointment is a historic milestone for our city. But let me be clear. You are not standing here simply because you made history. You are standing here because you have the qualifications, the experience, the leadership ability to lead this city," Moss said. 

Moss said the city is looking to Brickus to help strengthen public safety and build trust within the community.

"Our citizens deserve safe neighborhoods, strong leadership and a police department they can trust," Moss said. "Public safety is not a privilege. It is a promise we must work every day to fulfill." 

The mayor also pledged his support to the new chief. "Chief Brickus, you have my full confidence, my full support, and my commitment to helping you succeed," he said.

Selma City Council President Kennard Randolph encouraged Brickus to focus on the impact of her service.

"History will remember that you were first, but your legacy will determine by the difference you make," Randolph said. "Our city needs a police department that inspires confidence, demonstrates professionalism, embraces accountability, and treats every citizen with dignity and respect." 

After taking the oath, Brickus reflected on the significance of assuming leadership of the department and spoke about her own journey through the ranks of law enforcement.

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She recalled arriving in Selma several weeks ago and being told almost immediately that the police department needed a new building. Instead, Brickus said she sees value in preserving the department's historic home.

"It is a historical building," she said. "I need that building. I need to be able to walk in and out of that building with pride. I need for others to see the things that we've accomplished in this moment." 

Brickus also shared stories from her early years with the Baltimore Police Department, describing a time when female officers had limited accommodations and support.

"There were no women uniforms. There were no women's vests. There were no women's locker room," she said. "What I learned and what I had to unlearn is that there is a distinction, and it does matter."

She used the story to highlight the importance of supporting women in law enforcement and serving as a role model for future generations.

"The reason why I'm standing here right now is because it was important to me that others saw me in this capacity," Brickus said. "This means more to me than you will ever know."

Brickus defended the work and sacrifices that led to her appointment.

"It's not about who I knew to get this job. It's not about who I dated. It's not about any of that. I worked my way to get here," she said. "Nobody gave me anything." 

The ceremony began with remarks from mistress of ceremonies Dr. Tonya Chestnut, state school board member, who compared Brickus' appointment to a calling to lead at an important moment in Selma's history. Community leaders and clergy also offered prayers and words of encouragement for the new chief. Supporters from Baltimore traveled to Selma to stand with Brickus as she officially began her tenure leading the police department. 

Her first week on the job, she had to oversee an investigation of a triple shooting at American Deli on Highway 80.