Over the past year, I have given careful and thoughtful consideration to establishing a timeline for my retirement. This decision has not been an easy one. There is never a perfect time to step away from something you love, but there is a right time. Law enforcement has been my life, and this department has been a big part of it. I have genuinely cherished almost every day of my service. I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work alongside the finest staff a police chief could hope to serve with. Their dedication to this community is evident in every interaction and every call for service. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment have been the cornerstone of this department’s success. Over the past 39 years, we have come a long way. I was privileged to begin my career under outstanding mentors and to receive exceptional training. Together, we have advanced this department into one of the most technologically capable in the state, while continually striving to improve how we serve and protect our community. No police chief can be effective without strong community support, cohesive political leadership, and a dedicated staff. I have been fortunate to experience all three. Working collaboratively, we have made meaningful progress in enhancing the safety and quality of life for the citizens we serve. I will retire effective May 1, 2026. It has been a profound honor to serve the citizens of Oxford. This department and its members mean more to me than words can adequately express. To the men and women of this department: continue to treat people the way you would want your family treated, and you will continue to earn the respect and trust of the community. I will always pray for your safety. Please remain vigilant, know that I will always support you, and that I will continue to speak out on your behalf. Sincerely, Bill Partridge Chief of Police Director of Public Safety

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

On June 6, 1944, a 56-year-old general with a secret walked onto Utah Beach under fire, armed with a cane and a pistol. The secret: his heart was failing. He had hidden it from the army doctors so they wouldn't pull him from the mission. His name was Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Son of the President. He had begged three separate times to lead the first wave ashore at Normandy before his commanders finally said yes. When his landing craft drifted 2,000 yards off course, every instinct said redirect the following waves to the correct zone. Instead, Roosevelt walked the beach himself, alone, under artillery fire, cane in hand, reading the terrain. His verdict: "We'll start the war from right here." He then stood on that beach and personally greeted every regiment that landed after him, pointing them inland, cracking jokes under shellfire, steadying 18-year-olds who had never seen combat. He did this for hours. Years later, Omar Bradley was asked to name the single most heroic act he had ever witnessed in combat. His answer, without hesitation: "Ted Roosevelt on Utah Beach." Roosevelt's son, Captain Quentin Roosevelt II, also landed at Normandy that same morning. He was named after his uncle, Quentin Roosevelt, who had been shot down as a fighter pilot over France in World War I. Three generations. Three wars. One family. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. died in his sleep 36 days later. Heart attack. The thing he had been hiding finally won. He never learned he had been awarded the Medal of Honor. He was buried at the Normandy American Cemetery. In 1955, his family had his brother Quentin, killed in WWI, exhumed from where he fell in France and reinterred right beside him. Quentin is the only World War I soldier buried there. Two brothers. Two world wars. The same French soil. Their father had once said: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Both of his sons did exactly that.

The best D-Day speech given. June 6, 1984. #DDay2026

Never forget. D-Day.

Building Public Trust Through Effective Background Investigations The quality of a law enforcement agency is directly tied to the quality of the people it hires. While training and leadership are essential, the hiring process remains the first and most important safeguard against future misconduct, liability, and organizational disruption. A thorough background investigation provides far more than a review of an application or résumé. It helps agencies assess an applicant’s character, integrity, judgment, and suitability for public service. Employment history, criminal history, driving records, financial responsibility, references, social media activity, and personal interviews often reveal patterns that may not appear during a traditional interview. Poor hiring decisions can have lasting consequences—including misconduct investigations, civil liability, damaged community trust, and significant financial costs. Conversely, thorough investigations help agencies make informed decisions, reduce risk, and strengthen public confidence. Effective background investigations require more than phone calls and paperwork. They often involve in-person interviews with employers, references, neighbors, and colleagues to gain a complete picture of a candidate’s character and reputation. In Alabama, comprehensive background investigations are not only a best practice—they are required by law. More importantly, they are one of the most effective tools available to protect communities, preserve agency integrity, and ensure that those entrusted with the badge are worthy of the public’s trust. Every badge issued represents a promise to the community. Thorough background investigations help ensure that promise is kept.

#RiP Bob Horner (1957-2026)

Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy every day, and their courage will never be forgotten.

Congratulations to Phil Williams as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and Thomas Govan Jr. for the Middle District in a 46-43 vote in the US Senate. @NDALnews

2026 Peace Officer Memorial Day. We remember. Chief of Police Robert Elonzo Sparks End of Watch Friday, May 7, 1948. Gunfire. Captain William Henry Beard End of Watch Friday, August 19, 1977. Gunfire. Lieutenant Dexter Holcomb End of Watch Friday, February 16, 2007. Struck by vehicle. Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God”

As we honor National Police Week, we pause to remember and pay tribute to the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and our nation. The 11th Annual Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony is this Friday, May 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Centennial Memorial Park. This special ceremony is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude as we stand together to honor Alabama’s fallen heroes and support the families and agencies they left behind. Please consider attending and recognizing the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who served with honor. #NationalPoliceWeek @spann

The secret to success is early to bed, early to rise. Work like hell, and advertise.” — Ted Turner

Thank you, Chief for being there last night. It means a lot but most importantly, thank you for your friendship.

Thank you, General for being there last night!

Congratulations to Daniel Phipps on your promotion to Chief of Police tonight. You will be a truly great fit for the City of Oxford, and I have no doubt you will continue to lead with dedication and distinction. I’m incredibly proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished throughout your career. Wishing you the very best as you take on this important role. God Speed!

One of OXPD’s Emergency Services QRF teams working the Talladega Superspeedway race today. #oxfordpd #emergencyservices #ESU

The men and women who are part of the Department of Homeland Security who don’t hesitate when danger shows up, they run straight toward it, as seen last night. Secret Service agents are among them. When others are fleeing, they’re moving toward the threat, putting themselves between chaos and the people they’re sworn to protect. That kind of courage isn’t situational, it’s who they are. What makes it harder to accept is knowing that some of these same professionals are being caught in political gridlock and not being paid. Regardless of where anyone stands politically, the people tasked with protecting lives and safeguarding this country shouldn’t be treated as bargaining chips. You can disagree on policy. You can debate budgets. But there should be no debate about taking care of the people who stand on the front line without hesitation. They show up. They do the job. They put it all on the line. We owe them better!

As most run away from gunfire, law enforcement run toward it! God bless our law enforcement!

It was great to be on Truth Radio with my friends @JohnHMerrill and Mayor Craft and Pastor C.O. Grinstead this morning. #oxfordpd

Thank you, to our administrative professionals not only today but every day. #oxfordpd