MADISON – Nick McRae’s promotion to Captain in the Special Operations Division stemmed partly from his interest in keeping Madison Police Department as one of the best law enforcement agencies in the State of Alabama.

In addition, he “wanted to ensure that all officers get the equipment, training, support and leadership they need to successfully do their jobs.” McRae also is SWAT Team Commander.

In 2005, McRae joined the Madison force’s Patrol Division. In 2007, he was assigned to the Traffic Safety Division, specializing in Traffic Homicide Investigation, and selected for Special Weapons and Tactics Team.

Returning to the Patrol Division in 2012, he was promoted to Corporal and then in 2013 promoted to Sergeant. “Over the next six years, I served in Patrol, School Resource Officer Unit and as Training Sergeant,” McRae said. “I also had the honor of becoming Team Leader of the SWAT Team.”

McRae was promoted Lieutenant in 2019 in Special Operations Division and became SWAT Team Commander.

Before joining the Madison force, McRae served as a machine gunner in the U.S. Marine Corps. “I enlisted in 1998 and earned the rank of Sergeant before my orders ended. I had three overseas deployments, including volunteering for Iraq.”

Special Operations, McRae’s division, has several units:

* Training – Confirms annual refresher and advancement training for all officers. Handles hiring and initial training for recruits.

* Animal Control – Locates lost animals for return to owners. Coordinates with Madison Animal Rescue Foundation.

* SRO – Provides security to all campuses. Presents classes, ranging from drug awareness to cyberbullying, to students in all grades. “Excellent example of community policing and strengthening relationship between community and police,” McRae said.

* SWAT and Reserve Police Officers

* Special Events for city.

“The City of Madison does a great job of providing professional services for its citizens. We take great pride on having a strong relationship with the community and having open dialog with them,” McRae said.

Officers constantly patrol neighborhoods, businesses and schools. “We listen to complaints and concerns of our citizens and do our upmost to address those issues swiftly,” he said.

A Madison native, McRae graduated from Bob Jones High School in 1998. Currently, he is a senior at Columbia Southern University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

He and his wife have two children. “My hobbies are coaching youth sports, hunting, fishing and watching Alabama football win national championships. Roll Tide!” McRae said.