Longtime Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis has officially announced his candidacy for mayor, challenging incumbent Frank Brocatto in the city’s upcoming municipal election.
Derzis, who has led the Hoover Police Department for two decades, made his announcement Monday in front of a vacant storefront, using the setting to highlight his concerns about the city’s economic direction.
“For over four decades, I have had the honor of serving Hoover, protecting its residents, and building a culture of excellence in public safety,” Derzis said.
“During that time, I’ve seen law enforcement—and our city—change. I have witnessed Hoover grow from a small suburb to one of Alabama’s largest cities.”
“I’ve been here forty-five years. I know the community. I know the citizens and what they want. I’ve had great relationships, and I think as mayor to get things done, you have to have great relationships. Everything is not just about what our city can do, but you need great relationships with other cities, counties, federal gov., state, and I think that I can bring some of that vitality that I think we need right now.”
Derzis pledged to support first responders, collaborate with school leaders to strengthen local education, and also stressed financial transparency in city government.
“Hoover needs leadership that innovates, not stagnates,” Derzis said. “Leadership that listens, not manipulates; leadership that plans, not reacts.”
The Chief additionally emphasized his experience in managing the city’s large budget and working closely with government leaders at various levels. He believes these skills will translate well into the mayor’s office.
Derzis first joined the Hoover Police Department in 1979 and became chief in 2005. Over the years, he has overseen major city events, including the high-profile investigation into the 2023 Carlee Russell kidnapping hoax.
During that case, Derzis publicly expressed skepticism about Russell’s claims, noting that she had searched for information about the movie Taken—a film about an abduction—just hours before reporting her disappearance. Russell later admitted to fabricating the story and was convicted of filing a false police report.
Derzis confirmed that he will remain Hoover’s police chief until the last day of election qualifying in June. After that, he plans to take a vacation from his position until the conclusion of the campaign.
The Hoover municipal election is scheduled for August 26, 2025.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
