Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Greenville Chief of Police Justin Lovvorn has been named this week’s Greenville Advocate Hero of the Week, an honor recognizing his dedication to law enforcement and the community he serves.

Born in Greenville, Lovvorn moved around during his early years but eventually returned to Greenville, where he attended high school. From a young age, Lovvorn knew that law enforcement was his calling. 

“It’s always been an interest of mine,” Lovvorn said. “My best friend and I would play ‘CHiPs’ on the playground. Then as I got older and learned about what it took to actually be a police officer, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Lovvorn’s journey into law enforcement began while studying criminal justice at Troy State University. He gained valuable insight into law enforcement working as a dispatcher for the Luverne Police Department. 

“[Dispatch] gave me a lot of experience and really opened my eyes about the career,” he said. “I was doing whatever it took to learn everything I could. I was really excited.”

In 1996, Lovvorn moved into a patrol position, where he spent four years before being promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant. His commitment to his career and his community led to his appointment as Greenville’s police chief in 2017. 

“It’s a great job and there’s a lot of satisfaction involved in providing a service like that to the public,” Lovvorn said. “Since I came into office, there’s definitely been a decrease in crime. I think it’s a 46 to 48% decrease since 2017 in serious crimes.”

Lovvorn’s dedication extends beyond his official duties in Greenville. He has also served as president of the Alabama Peace Officers Association and currently holds the position of vice-president of the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police. 

Despite opportunities to work in larger departments or branch out into private security, Lovvorn has remained committed to Greenville. 

“I’ve had opportunities in bigger cities and in the private sector, but this is my home and I really care for the city and its people,” Lovvorn said.

For Lovvorn, the support of his family has been a cornerstone of his success. He credits his wife, Nikki, and their two children with helping him to be the best police chief he can be. 

“This job takes up a lot of my time, and there’s a certain risk involved, but my wife and kids are just so supportive,” he said. “They don’t get enough recognition for what they have to put up with.”

Nikki Lovvorn, proud of her husband’s achievements, describes him as not only a dedicated police chief but also a loving husband and father. 

“The Lord is most important to him,” Nikki said. “He’s a Christian father, and he uses those principles to lead our family. He does a devotion every night with us.”

As Chief Lovvorn continues his career, he remains committed to making a positive impact on the Greenville community. 

“As long as we’re making a difference and helping, I’ll stick around,” he said. “I’d like to keep a good thing going.”