The City of Birmingham is grieving the loss of Leroy Stover, its first Black police officer, who passed away at the age of 90. The Birmingham Police Department announced the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing their heavy hearts and honoring Stover’s legacy. Stover’s groundbreaking role in integrating the police force paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps.
Leroy Stover, known as Deputy Chief Stover during his time with the Birmingham Police Department, joined the force in March 1966 at the age of 33. Over his 32-year career, he rose to the rank of deputy chief before retiring in 1998. Stover’s dedication and service to the community garnered respect and admiration from his colleagues and the people he served.
Reflecting on his career in 2021, Stover shared his guiding principles, stating, “You live right, you treat people right, right will follow you.” These words encapsulate the values he brought to his profession and the impact he had on the Birmingham community.
Born in Dallas County, Stover excelled academically and was the valedictorian of his graduating class at Shiloh High School in Selma in 1952. He then joined the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper, including with the 82nd Airborne and the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War.
The cause of Leroy Stover’s death has not been disclosed, and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. The Birmingham Police Department expressed their condolences to Stover’s family, assuring them that his memory will forever be cherished.
The passing of Leroy Stover marks a significant loss for the City of Birmingham. His pioneering role as the first Black police officer and his commitment to serving and protecting the community will be remembered as an important chapter in the city’s history.
