Phenix City police chief retires. Who’s leading the department now?
The Phenix City Police Department is going through a leadership change.
George Staudinger retired as the city’s police chief after serving the PCPD for 32 years, Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe told the Ledger-Enquirer. The acting chief is Assistant Chief Joey Weierick, Lowe said.
“We haven’t missed a beat,” Lowe said when asked about the state of the department after Staudinger’s retirement. “The interim is very knowledgeable.”
Staudinger was sworn in as chief in July 2023. He spent about 13 years in the criminal investigations division as a lieutenant and captain before moving to an administrative function, Staudinger told the Ledger-Enquirer in 2023.
He took over as chief after former police chief Ray Smith became public safety director full time.
Lowe said Staudinger “has always done a good job, and we’re very proud of him.”
The Ledger-Enquirer didn’t reach Staudinger for comment, but Lowe said he retired to spend time with his family and travel.
Lowe said the process to find a replacement for Staudinger has begun, and several applications have been received.
City manager Wallace Hunter will recommend a new police chief for the Phenix City Council to approve in a vote yet to be scheduled, according to Lowe.
This story was originally published October 28, 2025 at 2:03 PM.