Longtime Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis announced today he is running for mayor.

Derzis, 70, joined the city’s force in 1979 and was named chief in 2005.

He made the announcement at a news conference, ending of months of widespread speculation that he would run for the office currently held by Mayor Frank Brocato.

Brocato did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“For over four decades, I have had the honor of serving Hoover, protecting its residents, and building a culture of excellence in public safety,” Derzis said.

“During that time, I’ve seen law enforcement—and our city—change. I have witnessed Hoover grow from a small suburb to one of Alabama’s largest cities.”

Derzis said Hoover needs leadership that embraces innovation rather than allows stagnation.

“One of my wife’s closest friends, a successful business owner in Hoover, recently told me something that stuck with me: ‘Hoover feels tired,’ and I agree,’’ Derzis said.

“The energy, momentum, and vision that once defined our city are fading.”

The son of a colonel in the U.S. Army, Derzis was born in Berlin, Germany and later moved to Alabama in 1977.

He began his law enforcement career as an officer with the Hoover Police Department in 1979 and was steadily promoted through the ranks.

Derzis was promoted to assistant chief December 1999 and to chief in January 2005.

Throughout the years, he has been responsible for numerous initiatives within the department, such as the Special Response Team, School Resource Officer program, and the development and construction of a new police operations center and jail facility.

Derzis has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Samford University and is a graduate from the FBI National Academy.

Derzis said his priorities as mayor will include:

– Public Safety: Ensuring Hoover’s first responders have the resources they need to protect the community and maintain the city’s reputation as one of the safest in the nation.

– Education: Partnering with school leaders to support Hoover’s schools and ensure students have access to the best educational opportunities in Alabama.

– Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency: Ending reckless spending, making every taxpayer dollar count, and bringing openness and accountability back to City Hall.

Derzis said he wants to restore trust in city government.

“Government should serve the people—not the other way around,” he said.

“As mayor, I will work hand-in-hand with the City Council, hold regular town halls, and ensure Hoover’s government operates with full transparency.”

Brocato has been mayor of Hoover, the state’s sixth largest city, since 2016. He has said he plans to seek a third term.

Hoover’s last election was held in 2020, according to the city website.

In 2021, the state moved municipal elections off the same calendar year as presidential elections. Officials elected in 2020 will serve until 2025.

The municipal elections will be held Aug. 26, 2025.