Farewell to a Beloved Leader: Port Royal Bids Goodbye to Police Chief Alan Beach
In the charming town of Port Royal, Wednesday was an emotional day as residents and officials gathered to say farewell to their long-time Police Chief, Alan Beach. After an impressive 37-year career in law enforcement, with the last 12 years spent as chief, Beach has decided to retire. His departure marks the end of an era for the department and the community he has served for so long.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
The farewell ceremony was filled with warm memories and heartfelt anecdotes from colleagues and Town Council members. There were tears, laughter, and a sense of gratitude that floated through the air as everyone reflected on Chief Beach’s contributions. Mayor Kevin Phillips praised Beach for his dedication and the numerous transformations he brought to the department. The atmosphere was both celebratory and somber, as it’s not easy to say goodbye to someone who has been a fixture in the community.
Beach, now 58 years old, expressed a mix of emotions, stating, “I never thought I was going to make five years — and the next thing it was 10.” He joined the department as a young, eager 21-year-old in 1987 when it was known as the Port Royal Department of Public Safety. Back then, Beach wore two hats — he was both a police officer and a firefighter, until those roles eventually split when fire services merged with Beaufort.
Building a Professional Force
Under Beach’s leadership, the police department saw a significant transition in professionalism and size, expanding from just 10 officers to a robust team of 30. Col. Deputy Chief Ron Wekenmann acknowledged Beach’s dedication to improving the department’s standards and fostering a sense of unity among his officers.
As the stories flowed, it became clear that Beach not only led with authority, but he also possessed a strong sense of humor. Captain John Griffith recalled his own nervous experiences when he first joined the force, hilariously explaining how he learned that being on the job involved a lot more than just fighting crime — including firefighting duties. “You are going to do both,” Beach had told him, a statement that left Griffith realizing the importance of knowing what to expect in this line of work.
Friendship and Camaraderie
Friend and fellow officer Capt. Massey, who started as a volunteer, shared a lighthearted moment when Beach allowed him to drive the chief’s famous burgundy Crown Victoria. “It was a pleasure to call you boss and it was definitely a pleasure to call you my friend,” Massey said, further echoing the camaraderie Beach fostered within the department.
Despite retiring, Beach isn’t going far. He plans to continue living in Port Royal and indulge in his favorite pastimes, such as fishing and golfing. He’ll also keep up his morning walks around town with Massey and Wekenmann, activities he genuinely enjoys. Chief Beach said it best about his career: “I loved it.”
The Search for a New Chief
Ultimately, the decision of who will become the next chief rests with Town Manager Van Willis. As Port Royal moves forward, it’s evident that Chief Alan Beach will always hold a special place in the hearts of those he has served.
