German Police Visit Fairhope

Five police officers from Germany spend OCT 6th 2025 getting a taste of southern hospitality and exposure to police work in America. The officers visit Fairhope as part of the Star International Police Program, which allows law enforcement officers in Germany, Spain and the U.S. to travel to each other’s countries, allowing the officers the chance to meet, share knowledge and experience as well as learning how law enforcement is conducted. The program got its start in 2009 and was begun by the Cullman and Decatur police departments. The officers spend Monday evening meeting Fairhope police chief Stephanie Hollinghead and getting to experience Burger Night at the Fairhope Elks Lodge 1879. The officers explain that, in Germany, law enforcement is a life career beginning at age 18 with three years of training and retirement at 62. Fairhope resident Larry Greene, a former law enforcement officer and Lodge member, guides the group on its tour across Alabama. The officers visit the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Alberta Tuesday, with stops also planned in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.