|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Livermore Police Department is mourning the loss of former chief Ron Scott, who died surrounded by family on Dec. 22 after battling an undisclosed long-term illness. He was 73.
Scott, who led Livermore PD from 1990 to 2002, left a lasting impact on the department and remained an active city resident during retirement, including with the Livermore Rotary Club and Livermore Rodeo, according to police officials.
“Chief Ron Scott was not only a great chief, but even a better person. He cared deeply about the Livermore community and the people working under his command,” retired Sgt. Wayne Jacobs told the Weekly.
“During his tenure at the Livermore Police Department, he led the department through some difficult times, and we became a stronger and better department as a result of his leadership. Chief Ron Scott will always be remembered and dearly missed,” Jacobs added.
Scott was born in Monterey County in 1947 and raised in Salinas. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, he attended Hartnell Junior College — including playing on the Hartnell Panthers state champion football team in 1967. While attending night school, Scott earned a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University.
Scott worked in law enforcement for more than 30 years, including at the Monterey County Probation Department and the Salinas Police Department, where he rose to the rank of captain. He was hired as Livermore police chief in 1990 and served for 12 years until retiring.
Police officials noted Scott’s leadership included overseeing the development and construction of the current Livermore Police Department headquarters.
“Throughout Chief Scott’s tenure, the Livermore Police Department received countless awards and recognitions to include the ranking of Livermore as one of the Top 15 Safest Cities Nationwide and one of the top Five Safest Cities in California,” police officials said.
Even more than that, Scott was a well-regarded and well-respected leader in the eyes of those who served under his leadership, according to Officer Dave Morris, who has worked for Livermore PD for the past 27 years.
“For me, he gave a young 26-year-old a chance at a dream to become a police officer and make something of himself. I didn’t have experience and didn’t have a college degree. Without Chief Scott, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Morris told the Weekly.
“I was able to live out my dream of being a police officer and serving this great community! He will be missed and it is such a huge loss,” Morris added.
