San Francisco — The law enforcement community in Georgia saw a new leader rise through its ranks this summer. Fayetteville Police Chief Scott Gray took the helm as the 62nd president of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) on July 23, marked by a ceremony where his son Thomas, a detective for the Calhoun Police Department, swore him in. Reflecting on his new position, Gray acknowledged his team's role in his career trajectory, "I can’t let this day pass without thanking the men and women of the Fayetteville Police Department for their unwavering support and dedication," he expressed in an address at the GACP Annual Conference in Savannah, as reported by the City of Fayetteville's official website.
Serving as First Vice President on the GACP Executive Board until his recent advancement, Gray's presence within law enforcement spans over three decades, bringing a storied expertise to the table. His efforts in Fayetteville led to the Police Department reinstating its state accreditation and achieving national recognition through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Under the direction of Gray, sworn in by his son at the ceremony, the Police Department's prestige and operational competency saw significant enhancement.
During the induction ceremony hosted in Savannah, notables such as Mayor Ed Johnson, City Manager Ray Gibson, and Assistant City Manager Alan Jones, alongside Gray's family and Fayetteville Police Department's leadership team, were present to witness his inauguration. Gray's leadership style was highlighted by Ray Gibson, who detailed his approach: “Chief Gray excels at servant leadership," adding the newfound responsibility holds true to Gray’s "commitment to helping others within our Police Department and throughout the State of Georgia," according to a statement obtained by the City of Fayetteville's official website.
Praise for Gray underlines his focus on both operational processes and personal development among the department members. During his eight-year tenure as chief, he has been leading the men and women who daily has the privilege to work with, and has become synonymous with quality public service in Fayetteville. Building on the foundation of procedural excellence and personnel training, Gray's dedication remains evident as he steps into a wider role with aims to influence law enforcement practices and policies across Georgia.
