Tuscumbia Council names Higginbotham interim police chief

For the first time in almost 20 years, the City of Tuscumbia has a new chief of police.

Deputy Chief Steven Higginbotham, who has been part of the Tuscumbia Police Department for 18 years, was unanimously voted as interim police chief by the City Council during its April 20 meeting.

Longtime Police Chief Tony Logan will remain with the city and move to the role of public safety administrator, where he will provide oversight and help coordinate between all of Tuscumbia’s emergency services.

“I never expended it, but (the Council) asked me if I would like to, I said yes,” Higginbotham said. “I have been working with Chief Logan to hone those skills so I don’t screw this job up.”

Higginbotham was sworn in to the position by District Judge Chad Smith during the Council meeting.

“What an honor it is to come and celebrate this occasion and to also celebrate the job Chief (Logan) has done through the years and how much we appreciate his efforts. Thank you for looking after us,” Smith said.

Higginbotham has worked in law enforcement for more than two decades after what Logan called a “distinguished career” in the United States Air Force.

He worked with Logan as part of the Florence Police Department before both eventually came to Tuscumbia.

Higginbotham said he has worked with Logan for 26 years, 18 of which came in Tuscumbia. Higginbotham said he has been deputy chief for the last three years.

“I wear several hats, whether it’s dealing with the public or getting equipment and officers,” he said. “I still go on calls. It’s several different hats all day long. No two days are the same. Today, I had to manage vehicle maintenance, the inmates and other vehicle issues.

“Myself and Chief Logan have had a plan, both a three-year and a five-year plan. It is to get better equipment for our officers and to get more officers for our city. I would love to have more officers to help cover issues like what come up in these public meetings.”

“I think he will do well,” Logan said. “He has the education and a skillset beyond anybody that I know. He is well respected in the department I think he will be successful.”