Scott Thurmond named Birmingham Police Chief
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond
Scott Thurmond, who served as Birmingham’s interim police chief for the last four months, will take on the role permanently. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced Thurmond’s appointment as police chief Thursday.
Thurmond is a 23-year veteran of the department. He has previously led several precincts, including the West Precinct where he helped reduce crime by 25% in 2020, according to the city. Thurmond also served in various leadership roles as a sergeant, commander, and lieutenant. Most recently, before becoming the acting police chief, Thurmond was executive assistant to the deputy chief of the Investigative Bureau.
“I am honored that Mayor Woodfin has put his trust in me. This was not something that I sought out. I have simply just wanted to serve and protect the great people of Birmingham with excellence and compassion. This platform will allow me to partner with our brave officers in helping to create a safe Birmingham for all. I look forward to serving,” Thurmond said in a statement.
Thurmond said the department is focused on three things right now: continuing to work with federal law enforcement to combat gun violence, recruitment and retention within the department, and security around the upcoming World Games.
The new chief will be able to utilize more funds, an increase of $18 million, in the upcoming fiscal year to fight these issues, if the Birmingham City Council approves the budget this month.
“I’m looking forward to fighting crime in our city,” Thurmond said.”I look forward to bringing the Birmingham Police Department to the forefront of law enforcement and just making the City of Birmingham a better place for all of our residents who currently live here,”
His appointment is effective June 24th. Thurmond succeeds Patrick Smith who announced his resignation as police chief in January citing personal matters.
‘It’s like feeling the arms of your creator just wrapped around you’: a visit to a special healing Shabbat
Members of Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham gathered recently for their traditional Friday Shabbat service. But this particular service was different, as could be seen by all the people dressed in their finest pink.
Space Command is coming to Huntsville. What might that mean for first-time homebuyers
While Huntsville has been a more affordable market than other growing cities, what’s it been like for those looking for their first home?
Colorado says relocation of Space Command to Alabama is ‘punishment’ for mail-in voting
The litigation announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser asks a federal judge to block the move as unconstitutional.
Breaking down Alabama’s CHOOSE Act
It’s been a year since Alabama legislators passed the CHOOSE Act allowing families to apply for state funds to use towards homeschool expenses and tuition for participating private schools. The Alabama Daily News’ education reporter Trisha Powell Crain has been diving into how the funds are being used. WBHM’s Andrew Gelderman sat down with her to talk about what we’re seeing so far.
Huntsville is growing fast. Here’s how it’s stayed affordable
Home prices are rising in Huntsville, but so far, the city’s avoided the skyrocketing costs in other boom towns.
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
