MONTGOMERY– Jeremy J. Burkett is the new director of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Department of Public Safety. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor appointed him to the post with the rank of colonel, effective Sept. 22.

Burkett began his law enforcement career as an Alabama State Trooper in 2006. Since then, he has served on the State Tactical Team and in the Special Operations Unit. He has also worked as a field training officer and an instructor at the ALEA Training Center. Most recently, Burkett led ALEA’s Administrative Bureau as its chief and director.

The Department of Public Safety includes ALEA’s Highway Patrol, Marine Patrol and Driver License divisions.

Burkett holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Troy University. He has also served in the Alabama National Guard since 2002. A major with the 167th Theater Sustainment Command in Anniston, he works as a plans officer in the unit’s operations cell. His service also includes two combat deployments to Iraq, according to ALEA.

Taylor said Burkett’s record, experience and work ethic give him confidence in the appointment. Burkett said he looks forward to working with ALEA personnel and law enforcement partners across Alabama in his new role.