HOOVER — The atmosphere in the Hoover High School performing arts center, as hundreds gathered to swear in Nick Derzis for mayor and the seven city council members, was lively and hopeful, with the focus on the city's future.
Earlier in the day, Derzis signed off as police chief with an emotional, tearful goodbye over police radio.
"To the Hoover Police Department, thank you for having me,” Derzis said using his call sign Adam-1, in his handheld radio at his desk. “To my family, thanks for sharing me. To the citizens of Hoover, thanks for the support that you’ve given us. You’ve truly been a partner.”
His goodbye was followed by officers and dispatchers saying their goodbyes, thanking him for his constant support and wishing him the best, with many of them congratulating him on his new role as mayor. "Adam-1, I'm now 10-7," he said, acknowledging the new police chief and saying he's "Out of service."
"I will now be in service as mayor of the city of Hoover as Eagle-1," he added.
Hours later, the ceremony began for the official transition to the position.
“Mrs. Derzis, Chief Derzis, I've been doing this for a lot of years. I have never enjoyed a night like I am enjoying this one tonight,” Judge Mike Bolin said just before swearing in the new mayor. “I've never sworn anybody into a mayor or any other position that I've known for 40 years… I love Hoover. This couldn't be better.”
Following his taking the oath of office, he received a standing ovation.
SEE: Run, Derzis, run! City leaders encouraging Nick Derzis to run for Hoover mayor
Derzis’ swearing-in marked the start of a new chapter for Hoover. The previous chapter began in late 2024 and early 2025 with friends, colleagues and local business owners encouraging Derzis to challenge incumbent Mayor Frank Brocato, a challenge Derzis accepted with the support of a majority of the outgoing city council, state and local leaders and, a pledge to "Make Hoover, Hoover again."
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