ALTO, Ga. — For nearly nine years, the Alto Police Department (APD) operated under the steady hand of Chief Josh Ivey. From his appointment as Interim Chief in early 2017 to his departure in December 2025, Ivey’s administration represented a definitive era in the municipality’s history—one marked by a relentless drive to professionalize a small-town agency through advanced training, fiscal creativity, and community-focused policing.
As Chief Ivey transitions to a new full-time role as a Captain and Training Officer with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Alto is looking back on a tenure defined by growth, accolades, and a commitment to excellence that placed the department on par with much larger agencies.
Stabilizing and modernizing the force
When Ivey took the helm in 2017, the APD was in a state of transition, facing the classic challenges of rural policing: limited budgets and aging equipment. Ivey immediately set to work stabilizing the department’s infrastructure. Recognizing that a police force is only as effective as its tools, he implemented a comprehensive fleet maintenance program to extend the life of patrol vehicles—a move that signaled his dedication to being a responsible steward of taxpayer resources.
Beyond maintenance, Ivey aggressively pursued modernization. Under his leadership, Alto became the first agency in Habersham County to deploy both body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras across its fleet. This 2017 initiative placed Alto ahead of the curve on transparency and officer safety, ensuring the department met contemporary policing standards long before they became mandatory in many jurisdictions.
Fiscal responsibility and grant success
One of the hallmarks of Ivey’s administration was his ability to “do more with less.” Leading a department in a town of approximately 1,200 residents requires fiscal ingenuity, and Ivey excelled in reducing the burden on local taxpayers.
Through a strategic focus on grant acquisition and alternative revenue streams, he successfully funded critical upgrades without relying solely on the town’s general fund. This included offering probation services to three other local agencies—an innovative approach that generated revenue while strengthening regional cooperation.
City of Alto Chief Financial Officer Lisa Turner praised Ivey’s dedication to the town and his colleagues.
“It was not a surprise to receive Chief Ivey’s resignation. He had foretold us that he would be giving it in the future when he accepted a full-time position at the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Krockum’s administration,” Turner said. “Josh is a good friend and co-worker and even though I already miss him, I can only give him the very best heartfelt wishes for the next seasons of his life, career, and future. He will succeed in any endeavor that he puts his mind and heart toward. He is truly one of a kind and I can only speak very highly of him, his work, and the lasting impression he has made to me and the Town of Alto!”
A commitment to executive excellence
Chief Ivey’s tenure was also distinguished by his pursuit of high-level professional credentialing. He brought “big city” management practices to Alto, most notably through his graduation from the prestigious School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University in 2022.
Completing the rigorous 22-week program alongside commanders from major agencies, Ivey mastered advanced concepts in resource allocation and organizational behavior. His commitment to education didn’t stop there; he also completed the Professional Management Program (PMP), the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE) delegation, and is currently enrolled in Command College.
This dedication to professional growth paid dividends for the department. The APD became a perennial contender for the Governor’s Challenge Award, securing 1st Place in its size category in both 2023 and 2025. These awards recognized the department’s excellence in traffic safety, including significant achievements in DUI enforcement which earned recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Building bridges beyond the badge
Ivey’s influence extended beyond the police station. As a certified firefighter and EMT—who also works part-time at the Cleveland Fire Department—he fostered unique relationships with other public safety agencies. His cross-disciplinary background allowed for seamless cooperation during emergencies, enhancing the safety net for all Alto residents.
This spirit of cooperation was evident in 2019 during the successful “Harrison Trail” narcotics operation. By partnering with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) and the GBI, Ivey’s department played a crucial role in disrupting a sophisticated distribution network, proving that the APD was a capable partner in serious criminal interdiction.
Looking to the future
Following Chief Ivey’s resignation, the Town Council appointed Sean Rogers as Interim Chief. As the department prepares for its next chapter, Rogers offered a reflection on leadership inspired by author John C. Maxwell, which seems to echo the spirit of the transition.
“You don’t have to be a ‘natural’ to become a great leader; you simply need a heart for God and a teachable spirit,” Rogers said.
Chief Ivey leaves behind a department that is better equipped, better trained, and more fiscally sound than the one he inherited. His work at the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office as Captain and Training Officer ensures that his expertise will continue to benefit the broader community for years to come.
