By james art BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) – Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond has announced his retirement. People in the community react to the news. Many people we spoke to on and off camera said the same thing: “I hate it.”
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“I really hate him because I thought he was doing a good job,” Derrick Kindle said.
“I’m sad, he’s a good guy,” said Marcella Hendricks.
One person reacted to Thurmond’s retirement saying he understands. “Once you get to a certain age, you have to give it up,” Francois Watson said.
Although Thurmond said it was something he decided four to five months ago and had nothing to do with city leadership or comments in the news, some in the community still blame the scrutiny he’s been placed under.
“You all got rid of that guy. Juandaline Jivan talked about him having to step down, where was she? I don’t see her until election time, she doesn’t come on our streets,” Hendricks said.
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“That’s my question I want to know, was he kicked out? I thought he was doing a good job,” Kindle said.
While serious crime in the city is on the decline, the number of murders is on the rise. Some people tell us it’s not the boss’s fault.
“They say crime is up, but you can’t be everywhere at all times, to me I thought he was doing a good job,” Kindle said.
“What can he do. Crime starts at home. He can’t be everywhere. I’ve seen him come to the streets of Ensley and walk those streets,” Hendricks said.
Hendricks said the community there respects Chief Thurmond and worries that with his leadership no longer present, crime will worsen.
“Yes, I’m angry because our city is going to deteriorate,” she said.
The deputy chief of special operations, Michael Pickett, is serving as interim police chief. As for what’s next and whether it will be permanent, Mayor Randall Woodfin said Thursday that right now the focus is on that transition.