The City of Orange Beach unanimously appointed Trent Johnson, who has served as interim police chief for almost six months, as the city's new chief of police.

At city council's Feb. 3 meeting, Johnson spoke after the resolution appointing him was approved.

He thanked God, his family, city council and employees, the Orange Beach Police Department (OBPD) and the community for the opportunity to serve as police chief.

"As we move forward in support and furtherance of the city's mission to enrich the quality of life for our residents and guests," he said, "we will do so with our mission of creating positive relationships, community engagement and a human-focused approach to law enforcement."

Before approving his appointment, Mayor Tony Kennon read Johnson's bio, detailing how he started his career in 2002, moved to Orange Beach and started at OBPD in 2006, then worked his way up to lieutenant by 2024 and a year later he was appointed interim police chief.

Johnson was appointed as the interim police chief at the Aug. 19, 2025, council meeting, about a week before then-police chief Steve Brown retired.

He was not unanimously appointed as interim police chief as then-Councilman Jeff Boyd, who is no longer on council after he lost the mayoral election to Kennon last year, opposed the appointment.

There was unanimous council approval for his appointment as official police chief. He received a standing ovation from the audience and council after the resolution was approved.