Birmingham’s acting police chief just wants to serve
By Marie Sutton
Scott Thurmond still remembers his first day as a Birmingham police officer in 1998. It was a dream come true, he said. The 47-year-old has wanted to work in law enforcement ever since a student at Berry High School.
Once he got dressed into his uniform and gear, it became real, he said. “It was exciting to put it on.” But not long after, he felt the weight of the badge. It brought a soberness, and as he navigated the day, he would constantly ask himself, “Am I serving the people well?”
Service has been his No. 1 mission, and even after 23 years on the Birmingham police force, Thurmond still asks himself that question every day. Last Friday his service got an upgrade. Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin named Thurmond acting chief of police when Patrick Smith resigned the role.
“I have every confidence in the leadership of Acting Chief Thurmond,” Mayor Woodfin said. “He has a history of innovation, strength and humility. Acting Chief Thurmond will be a bridgebuilder for our residents and police force. He is the right man to help keep our community safe.”
Since that first day as an officer, Thurmond has served and led in several precincts as well as in executive leadership. He has developed a reputation for serving with honor and a track record for fighting crime. Under his leadership, the West Precinct launched a special task force in 2020 that removed five to 10 guns off the streets each week. The brigade focused on high engagement and follow up on cases, which led to greater solvability. As a result, residents saw a 25 percent reduction in crime in the West Precinct.
“I am honored,” Thurmond said. “I know there will be challenges, but I am excited and ready to serve. As a department, we are committed to providing the high level of services our community members expect and deserve.”
Acting Chief Thurmond began his career in the patrol division at the North Precinct. He served the Titusville and Smithfield communities as a patrolman and Field Training Officer. Over the years, he received several promotions, often the youngest in leadership. In 2007, he served as sergeant assigned to the West Precinct Morning Shift in the patrol division. By 2015, he was serving the Homicide Unit as commander.
Thurmond was named interim commander of the newly formed Robbery/Homicide Division in 2018. He was promoted to captain in 2019 and served as the West Precinct Commander in the Patrol Bureau. Most recently, he served as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of the Investigative Bureau.
No matter how many titles he acquires, Thurmond said he always remembers what really matters: keeping residents safe. His wish for Birminghamians is that their kids can go outside and play without the fear of flying bullets. He also wants them to have and know peace in their homes and all throughout their neighborhoods.
“Is it a challenge? Yes,” he said. “It will be a work in progress, but tomorrow is always a new day.”
Thurmond also sees himself as working in service to his officers. At a recent roll call, he looked the men and women in the eyes and let them know that he works for them. His goal is to work to get them the resources and support they need to do the best job they can for the residents of Birmingham.
“I ask them [residents and officers] to give me a chance,” said the University of Montevallo graduate. “I hope my work will speak for itself.” Birmingham’s acting police chief just wants to serve
