By 
December 29, 2025
From high-stakes calls to heartwarming community moments, 2025 was a year the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) will never forget.
Officers and staff worked tirelessly to keep Huntsville safe, support neighbors and strengthen connections across the city. Here’s a look at the milestones, wins and stories that defined HPD’s year of service.
Protecting the community: from storms to criminals
HPD started the year responding to Winter Storm Cora, keeping roads safe, monitoring conditions and sharing safety alerts with residents.
Early in the year, the department also partnered with local agencies to take down online predators, resulting in nine arrests and nearly 40 charges – a strong reminder that community protection happens both on the streets and behind the scenes.
Spring brought major investigative wins. In April, HPD achieved a breakthrough in the high-profile abduction case of Ronald Leslie Dumas Jr., arresting two key suspects and continuing the hunt for others involved. HPD is still seeking information from the public that could help investigators and provide answers to Dumas’ loved ones. Anyone with information is urged to contact HPD immediately.
And in the summer, officers worked with the Madison County District Attorney’s Office on a sting operation that led to 10 child predator arrests, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to keeping Huntsville’s youth safe.
Meanwhile, officers enforced traffic safety through campaigns like Zero in the Zone in August and Summer Slowdown from June through August – cracking down on speeding and distracted driving in school zones and neighborhoods, keeping streets safer during high-activity months.
Building bridges, one event at a time
HPD’s connection to the community went beyond enforcement.
May’s Heroes on the Block Party, hosted in partnership with Huntsville Fire & Rescue, brought families together with free food, games, inflatables, live music and public-safety displays.
June’s After School Bash encouraged residents to “Stuff the Squad Car” with school supplies to support local educators through Free 2 Teach.
October featured HPD and Huntsville Parks & Recreation’s fourth annual Halloween Party and Haunted House, giving families a safe, fun space to celebrate while interacting with officers in a positive, non-enforcement setting. The department also encouraged public feedback for CALEA reaccreditation, ensuring transparency and accountability in its community service.
Growth, training and recognition
HPD invested in its people and capabilities throughout the year.
The 72nd Police Academy class graduated in July, followed by the 73rd in December, bringing new officers onto the force. Leadership was strengthened with 10 promotions in November, reinforcing the department’s backbone as Huntsville grows.
Officers also showcased their skills globally, competing in the 2025 World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham, earning medals and demonstrating the discipline, dedication and fitness that define HPD.
Built for safety, powered by innovation
HPD upgraded its operations and tools to keep pace with Huntsville’s growth.
In August, plans to move HPD’s Special Operations Division into a new centralized facility were announced, along with plans for a new South Precinct to improve response times in southern neighborhoods.
November marked the opening of a state-of-the-art Crime Scene and Evidence Warehouse Complex, combining labs, digital forensics and climate-controlled storage to improve investigative efficiency.
Officers were also equipped with new AEDs, giving them the ability to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies before paramedics arrive.
Serving Huntsville, every day
As 2025 ends, it’s clear that HPD’s commitment goes far beyond enforcement. From protecting residents in high-stakes situations to celebrating and engaging with the community, investing in personnel and embracing innovation, the department has worked tirelessly to make Huntsville safer, stronger and more connected. Every call answered, every event hosted and every upgrade made reflects a simple truth: HPD is dedicated to service – today, tomorrow and every day in between. Here’s to a new year of continued dedication, progress and partnership with the people of Huntsville.
