Chief of Police Ala. retires: “My tenure… has exceeded all expectations”

Alabama’s police chief announced that he will retire at the end of next month after more than a quarter-century with the department.

At a Thursday news conference with Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond, who turned 50 this year, said he will retire in November. 29. Deputy Chief Michael Pickett, who has been with the agency for 20 years, will next take over as interim chief.

“After 26 years of service and much thought and prayer, I began discussing this matter with my family about four to five months ago.” Thurmond said in a statement. “I have served the citizens of Birmingham and the Birmingham Police Department for over half of my life and I am forever grateful for all of my friends and memories. My tenure with the Birmingham Police Department has exceeded any expectations I could have had when I first embarked on this journey.”

Thurmond was named police chief in June 2022 after being named acting chief in January of this year. He joined the police in 1998 and during this time he worked in many units and districts, according to his department biography.

“I want to thank Chief Thurmond for his many years of service and commitment to our city,” Woodfin said in a statement. “Under Chief Thurmond’s leadership, we have seen a decline in overall violent and property crimes.”