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The Selma City Council voted to reinstate Kenta Fulford as Selma Police Chief at a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday night.

The city council voted 6 with one member abstaining as Fulford returns as Police Chief after being placed on Administrative leave last month by Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. “It feels great to be back, I start tomorrow,” Fulford said.

Council PRO TEM Clay Carmichael,  members Atkin Jemison, Jannie Thomas, Sam Randolph, Christie Thomas, Lesia James voted yes. Councilman Michael Johnson abstained. City Council President Billy Young and councilman Troy Harvill were absent. “I had an opportunity to serve with Fulford in the military, all that talk about him not being a leader is hogwash,” Randolph said.

The vote came after Perkins, City Attorney Major Madison, Fulford and his attorney, Mickey McDermott all spoke.

Perkins questioned Fulford on why he didn’t immediately return to Selma when the tornado hit on January 12, questioning his leadership and duties. Fulford returned to Selma the next day.

Fulford and McDermott responded to accusations, which was enough for the city council to bring the chief back