Chief Scully, 58, of Florence, died early Sunday evening surrounded by his family and friends, according to township officials.
by Amy Batista, Special Writer
FLORENCE —The community is mourning the loss of Florence Police Department Chief Alvin Scully who lost his battle with cancer Sunday.
”It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Chief Alvin G. Scully,” said Florence Police Department Capt. John Bunce in a press release on Tuesday.
Chief Scully, 58, of Florence, died early Sunday evening surrounded by his family and friends, according to township officials.
Richard A. Brook, township administrator, confirmed Chief Scully had “succumbed to cancer” in an email Monday.
News of the chief’s passing began appearing on social media later Sunday evening, particularly through the Florence Township Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management Facebook pages, both of which offered condolences.
In an email to the Register News on Tuesday, Mayor Craig Wilkie reflected on how the chief touched the lives of so many people.
Mayor Wilkie also discussed Chief Scully’s dedication to making the world a better place.
”His involvement in the fire department from a young age to recently serving as an EMT showed his lifetime of service above self,” the mayor said. “He cared for all the residents of Florence Township. Whether you were a senior citizen or a child, he gave his time to making sure life was better.”
He noted that the chief’s priority was the children.
”Our community is in mourning because the chief touched many people’s lives in a variety of ways,” said the mayor. “On behalf of the Township Council and myself, we extend our deepest sympathy to Chief Scully’s family, his friends and the dedicated police officers of the Florence Township Police Department.
”He initiated the DARE program for the fifth grade children to encourage them to stay away from drugs, and he volunteered in the recreation program as a coach even when his children were not in the program to provide positive leadership to our children,” he added.
In addition to DARE, Chief Scully started the adopt-a-cop program in Florence. He was also the founding member of Florence Against Alcohol and Drugs, according to officials.
Det. James Ford, president of the Florence Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #210 similarly expressed condolences to the family of Chief Scully in a press release.
”Chief Scully was a loving husband, committed brother and devoted father,” said Det. Ford. “Chief Scully was also a shining example of what a police officer should be – competent and courageous, tenacious and tough, brave and dedicated, yet understanding and compassionate to those who needed a helping hand.”
Chief Scully served for over 29 distinguished years with the Florence Township Police Department and as a lifelong member of the Florence Township Fire Department, Capt. Bunce said.
He was also a 39-year life member of the Florence Township Fire Department, according to his obituary.
”He was well respected by his peers as well as township residents throughout his life long dedication to public service,” Capt. Bunce said. “Chief Scully has left a legacy of achievements throughout his career with the police department.”
During his tenure he has served in many capacities such as master firearms instructor, range master, rescue diver, traffic safety coordinator, DARE supervisor, SWAT team member, academy instructor and field training officer.
He was also a member of multiple associations which include the Florence FOP Lodge # 210, the Burlington County and New Jersey State Police Chiefs Association, New Jersey State Traffic Officers Association and Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, Capt. Bunce said.
”Chief Scully no matter what capacity he served in with the department lead by example and still as a chief of police was actively involved in patrolling the streets of Florence Township,” he said.
According to archives, Chief Scully was promoted from captain to chief in February 2013. He began working as the chief law enforcement officer and acting chief in March 2012 after Stephen Fazekas, the previous chief, retired.
Chief Scully, of Florence, was hired by the department in January 1985.
In a press release, Capt. Bunce reflected on how Chief Scully’s legacy will live on through his son Daniel Scully, who is also a patrolman in the department.
”The Chief will always be remembered for his extraordinary sense of humor and ability to bring calm to any situation,” he said. “I am honored to have worked with him and for him through the years.”
Capt. Bunce noted how each and every officer in the department has many fond and personal memories of the chief.
”I will certainly miss the many personal stories he shared with me and the laughs we shared on a daily basis,” he said.
Chief Scully in his personal time enjoyed skiing in Lake Tahoe, bowling, NASCAR, scuba diving, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren, Capt. Bunce said.
In the release, Capt. Brian Boldizar called Chief Scully a “great friend and leader.”
”I have looked up to him since the beginning of my career as a police officer,” said Capt. Boldizar, adding from skiing together to handling major scenes together.
”He is going to be greatly missed,” he said.
He is predeceased by his mother, Joan Marie Scully. He is survived by his wife, Amy Wright Scully; step son, Tyler Wright; his children and their spouses, Daniel and Kiersten Scully, Stacia and Carlos Virula; brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Heather Scully; grandchildren, Sedona, Sierra, Ashley and Liam; and nephews and niece, Keith Jr., Weston and Peyton, according to his obituary.
”Chief Scully provided an uplifting philosophy with his statement ‘living the dream’ when asked how he was doing,” the mayor said.
Det. Ford noted how the passing of Chief Scully is “untimely, and sadly we are taught the lessons through death that we should learn in life.”
”The lessons of cherishing every moment, taking time to tell those we love how we feel, and living each day to its fullest as Chief Scully did,” he said. “I know I speak for all my brothers and sisters when I say that we will cherish the moments and time we had with the Chief and that he will be sorely missed.”
A celebration of life will begin April 10 at 12:30 p.m. at the FOP Lodge #210 Fireman’s Hall located at 69 Main Street in Roebling. Friends may call Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the FOP Lodge # 210 – Fireman’s Hall. Entombment will be in Odd Fellows Mausoleum in Burlington Township.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Florence Township. FOP Lodge #210, P.O. Box 285. Florence, NJ 08518. Condolences may be sent to www.koschekandporterfuneralhome.com.