It was announced on Tuesday, Oct. 20, that Bessemer Police Chief Gary Carmichael had been placed on paid administrative leave for 10 days. A hearing will soon be held.
Mayor for less than a month, Mayor Louise Alexander suspended Chief Carmichael for alleged insubordination.
Carmichael was unavailable for comment.
Mayor Alexander has appointed Capt. Kenneth Reese to serve as acting police chief.
A career Bessemer policeman for 26 years, Chief Carmichael was appointed chief by former Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley in July 2025.
The disciplinary procedures will be dictated by the rules and policies of the Jefferson County Personnel Board.
“Because this remains an active personnel matter, the Mayor’s Office is committed to allowing the official administrative process to run its course and will decline further comment on the specifics of the disciplinary action until that process has concluded,” stated Alexander.