The Andalusia Police Department has named Lt. Alice Donaldson as officer of the week.
Donaldson has served the citizens of Andalusia for more than 23 years as a police officer.
In addition to her career with APD, she recently retired from the National Guard after 22 years of service, 11 years active duty and an additional 11 years National Guard, where she was activated twice and served one tour in Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Throughout her career with APD, she has served in several capacities, including patrol officer, investigator, and most currently patrol supervisor.  Lt. Donaldson’s favorite day to work is Thursday, day shift.
Donaldson is married to Jim Donaldson, of Andalusia, and she has one son.
Her favorite hobby is cooking, and she loves to cook and feed family and friends.
Her favorite food is “a good steak.”
She enjoys her steak while pulling for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
After retirement, Lt. Donaldson plans to attend culinary school and travel the world.
When asked why she chose law enforcement 23 years ago, Lt. Donaldson said, “I chose law enforcement as a career because through my military career I worked with a lot of people which I enjoyed. I enjoy my job, the challenge is different every day and it’s what you make of it.”
When offering advice to new officers, Lt. Donaldson has a few words of advice, “Don’t choose law enforcement if it isn’t something that you truly want. Don’t choose it for the pay. When you put on the badge to become a police officer take the job serious. Think about your decisions and how they will affect a lot of people’s lives. Be respectful, be honest, fair and be determined to get your mission accomplished.”
Chief Paul Hudson and Lt. Donaldson have worked together since the beginning of his career at APD.
He’s always had Donaldson as a leader and someone to look up to.
“Lt. Donaldson has always been and will always be a leader for me and many of us who started our careers in the mid 90s,” he said. “She faced all kinds of adversity when she chose her career but has proven that if you make your mind up to work hard, ignore the criticism, and ‘stay in your lane,’ that  anyone can work in this environment and be successful. We’re a family and Lt. Donaldson is a huge part of our PD family. She helps unite us to work together and encourages each one of our officers to challenge themselves to be and do better. I’ve really enjoyed knowing and working with Lt. Donaldson and thank her for her continued work for all of us at APD.”