Interim police chief always dreamed of working in law enforcement

By Elyssa Parnell

eparnell@civitasmedia.com

Roy McClurkin, who was named captain at the Newberry Police Department in 2014, is serving as interim police chief while the city searches a permanent replacement.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_DSC03792.jpgRoy McClurkin, who was named captain at the Newberry Police Department in 2014, is serving as interim police chief while the city searches a permanent replacement. Elyssa Parnell | The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY — Working in law enforcement was always something Interim Police Chief Roy McClurkin said he wanted to do.

Born and raised in Whitmire, McClurkin said he looked up to Chief Randy Epps, who was a patrolman at the time.

“He always smiled and his professionalism was something I admired,” McClurkin said. “That’s what I wanted to do.”

McClurkin attended Whitmire High School and graduated in 1979.

Growing up, McClurkin said he was big into sports — football, basketball, baseball and tennis, you name it. He said he never played in recreational leagues, as they were more so a hobby for fun.

While in high school, McClurkin worked at the JP Stevens textile plant in Whitmire and put himself through school, working there as well until coming to work in Newberry.

When McClurkin was 18, he applied for work at the Whitmire Police Department, soon finding out that he had to be 21 years old to apply.

After graduating from high school, McClurkin attended Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, studying Criminal Justice.

“I was going there and got this job,” McClurkin said about the Newberry Police Department.

McClurkin had been at PTC for one and a half years when he received his job with the Newberry Police Department. The Newberry Police Department contacted PTC looking for an African American officer.

“My academic advisor recommended I put an application in,” McClurkin said. “Chief Andrew Shealy hired me and I am very appreciative of him giving me that opportunity.”

In 1983, McClurkin was hired on as a patrolman, later going back to school as well in 1995.

McClurkin was a patrolman until 1987 when he was named Corporal. In 1990, he made Sergeant and in 1991, McClurkin was made Lieutenant. In 2004, he went into investigations.

Most recently in 2014, McClurkin was named Captain at the Newberry Police Department and today he is Interim Police Chief.

“I’ve touched every rank within this department which is kind of unique this day and time,” McClurkin said.

McClurkin said his entire time with the Newberry Police Department has been a learning experience. One thing McClurkin said he can say for sure is that when he tells staff he knows what they are going through, he really does know.

“After spending 20 years on patrol, I know what it’s like to work night shift, be away from families on holidays and seeing what they see,” McClurkin said.

Overall what has impacted him most throughout his time in law enforcement is dealing with a child that has been hurt.

Not too long after he began his position with the department, McClurkin said a mother set her apartment on fire and children died. Another instance of a murder-suicide that involved brothers was something else McClurkin said he can’t forget.

“It effects me still to this day,” McClurkin said. “I’ve seen a lot in my over 31 years.”

Beginning his title as Interim Police Chief in June, McClurkin said it has been exciting but a challenge. However, he said he likes challenges.

McClurkin said he is now at a point where he is having to manage instead of doing, which is a big transition to him. While he said he is used to doing things, he is finding out that he does not have time to do some of the things he is used to while also managing.

“I’ve had to change my whole perspective,” McClurkin said.

While it has been somewhat of a challenge, McClurkin said he has gotten support from the community and staff which has made it easier.

“My focus is on our customers who are our citizens and making sure they have the professional law enforcement services they are used to,” McClurkin said.

McClurkin said he believes in community based policing and partnering with the community on issues.

McClurkin describes himself as very accessible and if people come by to see him, he will take the time to see them, as well as calling everyone back.

While McClurkin said he will be returning to his position as Captain there is no time table as to when a permanent police chief will be hired.

Currently Lt. Kevin Goodman has taken on many of McClurkin’s responsibilities, he said.

“I appreciate what they (staff) do and for making my job simpler,” McClurkin said.

McClurkin said he is appreciative for Assistant City Manager Matt DeWitt, Harvey, city council and Mayor Foster Senn for the confidence that they had in him to take on the position as interim chief.

Behind the badge

When he’s not working, McClurkin said he enjoys watching sports and spending time with his wife. Together they attend Renwick Grove Baptist Church on old Whitmire Highway where McClurkin serves as Deacon and sings in the choir.

McClurkin is also the president of their brotherhood through the church association. The group mentors young men, trying to bring them closer to the church and to Christ, he said. Each year the group hosts a back to school event where they give away school supplies as a part of the brotherhood program.

He and his wife Zenda, who is from Newberry, have been married 18 years. The two met in 1993 when she worked in dispatch for the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.

Zenda is currently Tony Long’s secretary in emergency services. Because of her work in the field, McClurkin said it brings them together.

“She understands my schedule and work because she is in this field,” McClurkin said. “That’s what makes it work.”

McClurkin said he enjoys working in law enforcement because no day is the same.

“There’s new challenges, new experiences and learning adventures every day in law enforcement and that’s what makes it unique,” McClurkin said.

Reach Elyssa Parnell at 803-276-0625, ext. 1868, or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.