SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT) – The Scottsboro Police Department will be retiring a badge number in honor of former Chief of Police Ralph Dawe, who died on August 14.
Dawe served for 31 years, 14 of which were as Chief of Police.
The police department will retire badge number 650, which carried special significance to Dawe, as it was the former Chief’s first badge number. However, it also served as a personal reflection of his heritage as a native of Hawaii, the 50th state in the Union.
He began his career at SPD in 1989 as a patrol officer.
The department said his talent for investigative work became apparent, and he spent the next decade in the detective division. While there, he served as Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. He was promoted to major in 2002, and four years later, he became Chief.
Dawe retired in 2020.
“Throughout his career, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and leadership, guiding the department through periods of growth and modernization. His contributions left a lasting legacy that continues to strengthen the department and community today,” an SPD spokesperson said.
SPD said during his time with the department, Dawe worked on several high-profile homicide and robbery cases, and received much respect for his professionalism, leadership and service to the Scottsboro community. He was a member of the Hi-Jackson Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 and a graduate of the 194th session of the FBI National Academy.
“Chief Dawe’s service and leadership helped shape the Scottsboro Police Departmentinto the organization it is today,” Chief Greg Godfrey said. “By retiring his badge number,we ensure that his impact, legacy, and commitment to this community will always beremembered.”
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