as chief at Troy State

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Troy State University’s police department has a new chief.

Rod Anderson will succeed Alan Boothe, who has been promoted to Chief of Judicial Affairs for the university.

Boothe, also a Democrat state representative, has been serving as the department’s police chief with Anderson as his assistant.

"This is a great day for our campus," said Col. John Schmidt, vice president of Student Affairs, during a special ceremony Thursday afternoon.

Although Schmidt said Boothe will "always be known as ‘Chief’" because of the 21 years he has put into the Troy State University Police Department, he believes Anderson will continue Boothe’s successful leadership of the campus police department.

Schmidt expressed appreciation to Boothe, who wasn’t present because of duties in Montgomery, "for all his service to this campus."

Troy State takes a great deal of pride in having such a low campus crime rate.

"I’m proud to day at Troy State University we have one of the safest campuses," Schmidt said.

TSU Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins said campus safety is one of the most important things a prospective student looks at when choosing a college.

"As we enjoy the rainbow of safety, we have to put up with some raindrops," Hawkins said. "Fortunately, we don’t have many raindrops."

Anderson said cooperation between city and county law enforcement officers helps keep the TSU safe.

"We appreciate everybody who works together to keep this campus safe," Anderson said.

In addition to officially naming Anderson as chief, Lt. Billy Scofield and Sgt. Collins Davis were presented certificates of promotion.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to the following officers: Kevin Davis, Leon Flowers, Dot Helms, Leland Moore, J.T. Livingston, Robbie Richburg and Ida Martin.

New officers Drake Barron and Chris Juno were also recognized.