Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond Announces Retirement

By Sym Posey The Birmingham Times After 26 years of service, Birmingham Police Chief, Scott Thurmond has announced his retirement. His official last day will be Friday, November 29. Thurmond, who turned 50 this year said, “I’ve had a lot of thought about this and this is just something that I have decided to do. The time is right. There are many positive things that are going for the city of Birmingham right now. I feel that the police department will be in very good hands.” The chief said he began considering retirement about four to five months ago. “My family has always been an integral part of my career, and I must continue to put them first in my life,” he said. “As my family and I continue this journey through life together, it is time for this chapter to close another to begin.” Mayor Randall Woodfin thanked Thurmond for the chief’s “many years of service as well as his commitment … to the men and women that he has led. Under Chief Thurmond’s leadership, we have seen a reduction in overall violent crime in our city. Now it’s fair to say while we remain laser focused on reducing...