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FLORENCE: Community celebrates life of Chief Scully

Chief Scully, 58, of Florence, lost his battle with cancer on April 6.

by Amy Batista, Special Writer
ROEBLING —The community celebrated the life of Florence Police Department Chief Alvin Scully on April 10 at the at the FOP Lodge 210 Fireman’s Hall located at 69 Main Street in Roebling.
   Chief Scully, 58, of Florence, lost his battle with cancer on April 6.
   The service began with the procession of the Florence Township Police, followed by the Boston Police Gaelic Column Pipes and Drums into the Fireman’s Hall and to the front where Chief Scully was in an open casket for people to view during the celebration of his life.
   Many turned out from all around the area to pay tribute to Chief Scully from residents, fellow firefighters and police officers as a line could be since extending out the door and across the street as people waited to say their final goodbye.
   Chief Scully’s family expressed a mixture of sadness for their loss and gratitude for the community.
   ”I am absolutely heartbroken by the death of my husband,” said Amy Wright Scully in an email on April 11. “I am overwhelmed by the love and support shown to me and my family by everyone.”
   Ms. Wright Scully said the procession was emotional, especially when it passed the Riverfront School, where her husband introduced the DARE program.
   ”The programs he started in the Florence Township School District were very important to him and it was evident that he touched so many young lives,” she said, referring to the scores of students who stood in front of the school, some saluting the chief.
   Chief Scully’s son, Ptl. Daniel Scully, was presented with a flag at the end of the ceremony.
   During the celebration of the chief’s life, township and police officials spoke of his impact and legacy.
   ”Al’s life was that of one to be honored and loved,” said Mayor Craig Wilkie. “On behalf of township council and myself, we extend our deepest sympathy to Chief Scully’s family, his friends, and dedicated police officers of Florence Township Police Department.”
   Mayor Wilkie also addressed the Scully family.
   ”Our community shares your mourning,” he said. “No man can give this community a richer gift than a portion of his precious lifetime.”
   Mayor Wilkie turned to the coffin and thanked Chief Scully, noting that the chief wore many hats and held many titles during his lifetime including husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, chief, captain, sergeant, firefighter, EMT, business owner, coach, mentor and friend.
   ”His demeanor let you know he cared about you,” the mayor said, calling Chief Scully “a friend to all.”
   ”We do not get to decide when we are born or when we will die,” he said. “We do get to choose what we will do with the dash. What will your story of the dash be? Alvin Scully made the most of his life.
   ”The chief cared about those less fortunate whether it was a child or parents who did not know how to get out of the rain, misguided teens or young adults trying to find their way in this world or senior citizens trying to make ends meet,” he said, specifically reflecting on the chief’s impact on township youth.
   ”Al’s interest in bring the DARE program to our schools was typical of him trying to make the world a better place,” he said. “He was the first DARE officer. He was involved and always looked forward to going into the classroom to see the children.”
   Mayor Wilkie noted that Chief Scully made sure “our children had alternatives to better improve themselves.”
   ”When others disappointed the youth, Chief Scully stepped in with fellow officers to coach a youth football team for children who were not even part of the program,” he said. “Our youth needed good role models. Al stepped forward and provided the role model.”
   Also reflecting on the chief’s life and career of police service – one that spanned nearly 30 years – was Det. James Ford, president of the Florence Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 210.
   ”I stand before you today with a heavy heart,” said Det. Ford. “I am touched by the overall tribute being paid by so many here today.”
   Det. Ford noted that the chief was “someone who meant so much to so many.”
   ”He was a shining example of what a police officer should be,” Det. Ford said, as he held back the tears. “Competent and courageous, tenacious and tough, brave and dedicated yet understanding and compassionate to those who needed a helping hand.
   ”As sad as we are assembling here today we are here to pay our respects to Al,” he added. “We are here to honor his memory as a courageous and true professional. A trusted associate and dear friend.”
   He noted Chief Scully was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, embarking on a courageous battle that while claiming his life, failed to impact his service to the community.
   ”Al fought a long, courageous battle with cancer,” he said. “Al endured numerous surgeries trying to rid him of his disease. Over the last five years, Al continued to come to work each and every day that he was able even while receiving chemotherapy treatments.”
   Det. Ford recalled how Chief Scully would allow the pain he was in prevent him from marching in the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the Boston Gaelic Column Pipes and Drums.
   ”They even provided an antique police vehicle driving behind chief in case he needed to rest,” he said. “I am proud to tell you that the chief never set foot into that vehicle. That he the endured chronic and often severe pain inflicted by the cancer and marched the entire length of the parade all 4.8 miles.
   ”When the parade was over I looked at the chief and said ‘you did it sir, you made it the whole way,’” he said, turning to the Chief Scully’s coffin and repeating himself. “You did it sir, you made it the whole way.
   ”May the memory of Chief Scully never leave our presence,” he added. “May his spirit never leave our hearts and may his service be an inspiration to us all.”
   Though his passing was untimely, Det. Ford said the chief offered lessons of the importance of life.
   Riverfront School Principal Theresa Elias reiterated how much impact the chief had on her students.
   ”Our school and district admired our Chief Scully,” Ms. Elias said in an email April 11. “ So many families in our community were connected to Chief Scully in so many ways. His wife, Amy Wright Scully, taught many our students when they were younger.”
   She also expressed pride in her students for their desire to salute the chief.
   ”Speaking for every teacher and staff member, we have never been so proud of our students,” she said. “What a wonderful tribute to our Chief Scully.
   ”It was so moving to see the officers and dignitaries who were in the motorcade responding to our young people with such strong emotion, appreciation, and pride,” she added.
   Chief Scully was lifted by his fellow officers onto an antique Florence Township fire truck where he made a final ride through the town, stopping at the police department before his final resting place in Odd Fellows Mausoleum in Burlington Township.