DOTHAN, Ala. — After months of deliberation, the Hartford City Council has officially appointed Scott Gaston Sr. as the city’s new full-time police chief. The decision was made during a special called council meeting on Monday evening, following a delay from last week’s scheduled vote.
Gaston Sr., who currently works in law enforcement in Daytona Beach, Florida, brings a wealth of experience to the role. With a background that spans both small-town and larger department leadership, he is expected to help the department navigate ongoing staffing challenges and improve operations.
Mayor Wendell Nolan expressed confidence in Gaston’s abilities, noting that he has previously served as a chief in a small town and has worked his way through the ranks in larger police departments. “We’re looking forward to bringing him on board as soon as possible, so he can familiarize himself with the town, its staff, and begin the process of hiring new officers,” said Mayor Nolan in an interview with WDHN.
Gaston Sr. was selected from a pool of five final candidates, with applications received from across the country, including locations as far as California and New Jersey. Despite the wide-reaching applicant pool, the city council was unanimous in their decision to appoint Gaston Sr. to lead the department.
The appointment marks the end of an interim leadership period under Chief Brent Parrish, who took over the department in October after former chief Pete Markow resigned following a public disagreement with a Hartford councilwoman. Parrish has been tasked with managing the department during a challenging time, with recruitment and retention issues stemming from budget constraints.
In a statement to WDHN, Parrish confirmed he will return to his original officer position once Gaston Sr. assumes the role of chief. “The department has had a difficult time retaining and hiring new officers since Chief Markow’s resignation, and much of this has been due to financial limitations,” Parrish stated.
As the new chief, Gaston Sr. will inherit these challenges but also the opportunity to rebuild the department and address the staffing issues head-on. His first steps will likely include assessing the needs of the department, working closely with the city council and mayor, and implementing a plan to bring in new officers to fill the current vacancies.
With Gaston Sr.’s extensive experience and proven leadership, the Hartford Police Department is poised for a new chapter as it works to stabilize and strengthen its force.
