Scottsboro Police Dept. Promotions

News

Thursday, 17 April 2025 09:19

The faces of Scottsboro Police Department recently changed with two appointments.
Former Major of Operations, Greg Godfrey was promoted to Chief of Police on April 1st.

Godfrey began his career in Tennessee in 1986, working with multiple agencies in the Marion County area before moving to Alabama. He was hired by the Scottsboro Police Department in 1994.
Godfrey has served for 39 years in law enforcement, and joked during his speech that he was finally going to surpass his father, Don Godfrey, for total years of service. His father, a well-known figure in Marion County, served as a Tennessee State Trooper, the Chief Deputy of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chief of Police of Bridgeport, Alabama.

Godfrey stated, “I would like to thank the Mayor and City Council for their trust in me. I am still living a dream from my early childhood days of becoming a police officer. I watched my dad and all of his law enforcement friends day in and day out. I knew then what I wanted to be in life.

The journey began in 1986, at just 18 years old. I worked in Tennessee for a few years and then ended up here in Alabama. Chief Keith Smith gave me the opportunity 31 years ago, and here I am now as Chief of Police.

I’ve been a street cop most of my career, and I know what those guys and gals go through day in and day out. I will be here to support my officers through the tough times and the good times.
Chief Ron Latimer made my job easier by leaving our department in great shape. I look forward to working for the great citizens of Scottsboro.”

Former Captain Scott Matthews was appointed as Major of Operations.

Matthews brings over 30 years of dedicated service to this leadership role. He began his career with the department in 1994 as a jailer, became a Patrol Officer in January 1996, and was promoted to Detective in July 1999. He went on to serve as both Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Detective Division, and was appointed Jail Administrator in July 2014. In 2018, he was promoted to Captain.
As Major of Operations, Matthews will serve as the Deputy Chief of the department, overseeing the operations of all divisions. His extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to the community make him exceptionally qualified for this role.

Matthews stated, “I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Major within our department. This promotion is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats within this department—each role has shaped me, challenged me, and prepared me for this next step. I believe that diverse experience will serve me well as I navigate this new position, supporting both the dedicated employees of the Scottsboro Police Department and the community we serve.

I started out as a young officer being trained by Chief Godfrey, whose mentorship and leadership left a lasting impact on me. His influence has helped shape the officer that I’ve become. I also want to thank those who came before me: Chief Keith Smith, Assistant Chief Wayne Bynum, Chief Ralph Dawe, Chief Ron Latimer, and Captain Barry Capps. Their guidance, professionalism, and example laid the foundation for my growth, and without their leadership, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank my family—my wife, son, daughter, and my parents. Their constant support, sacrifice, and encouragement have been the steady force behind everything I do.

Thank you all for believing in me. I look forward to continuing to serve the Scottsboro Police Department and the Scottsboro Community with the same dedication that has brought me to this point.”

Godfrey continued, “I would like to thank Chief Keith Smith, Chief Ralph Dawe and Chief Ron Latimer for my promotions throughout the years leading the way to Chief.”
Former Captain Scott Matthews was appointed as Major of Operations.

Matthews brings over 30 years of dedicated service to this leadership role. He began his career with the department in 1994 as a jailer, became a patrol officer in January 1996, and was promoted to detective in July 1999. He went on to serve as both Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Detective Division, and was appointed Jail Administrator in July 2014. In 2018, he was promoted to Captain.
As Major of Operations, Matthews will serve as the Deputy Chief of the department, overseeing the operations of all divisions. His extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to the community make him exceptionally qualified for this role.

Matthews said, “I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Major within our department. This promotion is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats within this department – each role has shaped me, challenged me, and prepared me for this next step. I believe that diverse experience will serve me well as I navigate this new position, supporting both the dedicated employees of the Scottsboro Police Department and the community we serve.

I started out as a young officer being trained by Chief Godfrey, whose mentorship and leadership left a lasting impact on me. His influence has helped shape the officer that I’ve become. I also want to thank those who came before me: Chief Keith Smith, Assistant Chief Wayne Bynum, Chief Ralph Dawe, Chief Ron Latimer, and Captain Barry Capps. Their guidance, professionalism, and example laid the foundation for my growth, and without their leadership, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank my family—my wife, son, daughter, and my parents. Their constant support, sacrifice, and encouragement have been the steady force behind everything I do.

Thank you all for believing in me. I look forward to continuing to serve the Scottsboro Police Department and the Scottsboro Community with the same dedication that has brought me to this point.”