MPD Captain Steve Wilkerson retires Friday, will become Director of Game Day Staff for Trash Pandas
Editor’s note: Madison Police Captain Steve Wilkerson has been a familiar face with the police in Madison for many years. However, having served 23 years with the department he is retiring on Friday. Earlier this week Madison City Council members praised Captain Wilkerson for his excellent service to Madison and wished him the best in his next endeavor. On Monday he starts a new job as Director of Game Day Staff with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. We too wish him the best.
The following was written by MPD Community Relations Officer Teresa Taylor-Duncan.
Honor Behind the Badge: Captain Steve Wilkerson
For most of us, this Friday is the last day of the month, the Friday before the Super Bowl, or the two week mark before the holiday that is the dreaded Valentine’s debacle. But for Captain Steve Wilkerson of the Madison Police Department, Friday January 31 is just the beginning. After 23 years spent serving the citizens of Madison, the Captain will take off his badge and begin the retirement chapter in his life.
Becoming a police officer was a life goal from the age of six when Steve was growing up in Arkansas and Texas. After serving five years as a corrections officer with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, he joined the Army assigned to a Military Police unit serving in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Upon completing his tour of duty, Steve worked in the civilian arena with Alfa Insurance. In 1997, wanting to move close to his family, he selected the Madison Police Department when offered positions with both MPD and Huntsville PD on the same day.
After completing the Northeast Alabama Police Academy, he was assigned to patrol duties where he soon earned the rank of Master Patrolman and served on the SWAT team. During his time with Madison Police Department, Steve rose through the ranks while implementing the School Resource Officer program and the Traffic Division. Once he was promoted to Lieutenant, he supervised the Special Operations Division which was comprised of Animal Control, traffic unit, SRO’s, and crossing guards. Upon his promotion to the rank of Captain, Steve commanded the patrol division for six years until 2017 when he returned to command the Special Operations Division.
When asked if his career in law enforcement is what he expected as a young recruit, Captain Wilkerson says it was what he expected and then some. Looking back over his years of service, he wonders how many lives that may have been touched inadvertently through his actions or words and how many bridges he may have gaped when working with students and parents.
He opines that law enforcement has changed due to the influence of digital and social media explaining that 99 percent of law enforcement officers have a servant’s heart and are people of true integrity. It is the 0ne percent that can be found in every profession which the media focuses on thus creating a sense of distrust and bias that can lead to a crisis in law enforcement.
Steve understands that recruiting and retention is a rising challenge and explains that the best officers don’t do it for the money or simply to wear the uniform. They do this job because they want to make a difference, influence lives in a positive way, and serve the communities where they live. He knows this because these were the same desires he brought to the job in 1997. His advice to new recruits is to learn as much as you can, relate to your community, and earn their respect.
Captain Wilkerson says that, with his retirement, he is going to miss the camaraderie and brotherhood of the department. Knowing that he spent more waking hours with his work family than his home family, he says he built relationships, learned what to do and sometimes “what not to do” from the many supervisors and mentors who helped to shape his career.
With Friday looming, Captain Wilkerson’s office is slowly being cleared. Memorabilia, photos, awards, and personal items are packed. Uniforms have been turned in and equipment has been inventoried. A legacy of service and success will be carried with him as he transitions to his new career. While he thoroughly enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years, their two children, and one granddaughter, Steve will not be spending his days rocking on the front porch. Beginning Monday, he will be assuming his new role as Director of Game Day Staff with the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
Captain Steve Wilkerson, the citizens of Madison and each member of the Madison Police Department thank you for your commitment to the profession of law enforcement and those who have benefited from your 23 years of service are forever grateful and in your debt. Carry on, Brother, we have it from here!
Madison Police Department and the Madison Police Foundation will host a retirement reception in honor of Captain Steve Wilkerson in the Madison City Council Chambers located at 100 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 on Friday, January 31, from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Please stop by and wish him well.
