Barry Kennamer

Background

About Barry Kennamer

Currently I am the Chief of Security for the Jefferson County Commission. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating the work activities of Security personnel; supervising the operations of 14 facilities: Jefferson County Courthouse (Birmingham), Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center, Domestic Relations Court, Family Court, Youth Detention, Jefferson County Courthouse (Bessemer), Hoover Satellite, Center Point Courthouse, Gardendale Satellite, Bessemer R&T Camp, and Ketona R&T Camp. I currently have over 29 years of Law Enforcement, Security and Military experience. During my career with the Birmingham Police Department I gained extensive training and experience in SWAT, Patrol, Investigations, Instruction, and Supervision. My last assignment before retiring from the Birmingham Police Department was as the Commander of the Tactical Unit. I held the rank of Lieutenant and I am certified as a Tactical Commander, SWAT Instructor, as well as SWAT Operator. I have had a range of assignments, such as Patrol, Narcotics, Interdiction, Fugitive Investigation, and CRT. My military experience includes assignment to US Coast Guard Reserve Unit PSU 308. Coast Guard Port Security Units are deployable units organized for sustained operations. Deploying within 24 hours and establishing operations within 96 hours. PSUs conduct OCONUS port security in support of requesting regional CINC's. They provide waterside protection to key assets (e.g. pier areas, high value vessels, harbor entrances) at the termination/origination point of the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). PSU's may operate in U.S. territorial waters under the direction of a Coast Guard or Maritime Defense Zone (MDZ) command or in foreign waters as part of the Harbor Defense Command (HDC or HDCU) within the Naval Coastal Warfare Command Structure. A little known fact about me is that before embarking on my law enforcement career I worked at the Wynfrey Hotel. While working at the Wynfrey, I worked my way up from being a Bellman to being the Guest Services Manager within the 5 years that I was there.