Photo by Nikki Wilson
by Nikki Wilson
Special to TownTalk News
info@www.towntalkradio.com
Scott McAuley said he came to Seagraves looking for a change, and he stays because “I’ve never seen nicer people.”
McAuley has been the head of the Seagraves Police Department since the fall of 2014. And he has not only been organizing the fight against local crime, but helping organize Police Night Out, Thanksgiving groceries for local residents, and most recently, the Parade of Lights that took place this past Saturday on Main Street.
First United Bank, Lowe’s, Seagraves Tire Pro, and Seagraves Catholic Church are just a few of the local businesses and groups that participated in the event organized by the police department and the Chamber of Commerce.
Jewels and Gems took the first place float award, and Troy Martin won the chili cook-off.
“That’s what we’re trying to do every time is get more and more people involved,” said McAuley. “It strengthens a community. It’s a bond.”
McAuley said the slogan for this year’s Police Night Out was “Community Strong,” and that represents what he and the leaders of the Seagraves community are seeking to accomplish.
The Chamber of Commerce is working with McAuley to hold a Super Saturday sometime in the spring.
“Everything we do, we always need help, setting things up, putting things together, but we’re gonna’ do it regardless. The city is really behind this. The Chamber of Commerce…church youth groups are involved.”
Seagraves Assembly of God Youth Minister Seth Barron is excited about creating something special in a community where tradition is everything.
“Instead of remembering the things of the past, we get a chance to create new memories and new traditions…its’ time for something better, something new, ” said Barron.
McAuley believes leaders have a responsibility to the community to give back.
“Leaders have to take an interest in the community,” said McCauley.
Born in Monahans, McAuley moved to Wyoming for a short time before returning to Texas. He graduated from Tyler and moved to Seagraves with his wife from Arp, Texas. The mayor started the annual Parade of Lights in Arp, and it was such a success that McAuley wanted to have a Christmas parade in Seagraves.
“It’s just giving back, another celebration,” he said.
A reserve police officer in Monahans inspired Chief McAuley to pursue a career in law enforcement when McAuley was a child in Monahans. His inspiration came from a gentleman named Joe Stepp.
“He’s the one who got me into it,” said McAuley. “He just always stopped and talked to me when I was a little kid playing in the yard.”
“It was a different time…it was more community-oriented then. If you get in trouble, you’d go home, and they’d call your parents, and you’d get in trouble at home, too.,” said McCauley, “You know it’s not that way anymore. It can’t be.”
As for McAuley, he feels like law enforcement was what he was born to do.
“I don’t know that I can do anything else. I don’t want to…I love helping people. I love being involved. I love the comradery of it,” McAuley said.
The police chief said he wakes up every day knowing he can make a difference.
“Today, I can change something,” he said.
