Police chief accepts new beat in smaller town
Staff reporter
Although on the job for only a week, newly-appointed Florence Police Chief Alvin Scobee is eager to serve the Florence community.
Scobee comes to the Florence police department highly trained and qualified.
He spent 26 years on the El Dorado police force, joining the force in 1976, and is trained in all aspects of law enforcement.
Scobee has specialized training in arson investigation, crime scene investigation, homicide, and crime scene photography.
When Scobee joined the El Dorado department, it was a public safety department where personnel were trained as police officers and firefighters. He spent the first 10 years as a firefighter and street patrolman when he advanced to lead man.
In 1986, Scobee was promoted to the position of investigator.
"The departments split in 1995," Scobee said. "I was then offered the captain's position." He held that position until his retirement in 2002.
Scobee's state law enforcement certification is current.
"Once certified through the state, officers have to take 40 hours per year of continued training for recertification," Scobee said. The initial certification is valid for five years.
If an officer does not renew his certification within that time period, he must retake the initial training course.
"Since it hasn't been five years since I was an officer, my certification is valid," Scobee said.
Since his retirement, Scobee and his wife Nancy owned and operated a restaurant in El Dorado. The restaurant closed in November 2003.
Scobee drove a truck for a while but decided that wasn't for him.
"I found out I didn't want to be a truck driver," Scobee said, adding, "Jobs are hard to find right now."
In the meantime, wife Nancy was laid off from her job of 27 years with SBC.
Scobee has a friend who lives in Florence and told him about the job opening.
"I've always liked small towns," Scobee said. He applied for the job and was hired.
With the Florence Labor Day Celebration this weekend, Scobee said he was looking forward to the event.
"It will be a good opportunity for me to meet people," he said.
Currently Scobee is the only city lawman. Marion County Sheriff's Department will assist with security during the weekend festivities.
Primarily working the day shift, Florence City Council has given Scobee permission to hire additional officers.
"I plan to hire at least one part-time officer," Scobee said.
Scobee and his wife plan to move to Florence in the coming week and make Florence their home.
They won't be far from their children and grandchild. A son lives in El Dorado, a daughter is in Eureka, and the Scobees have nine grandchildren.
