Royce seeking a seat on council

Richard Royce has spent his life in public service as a firefighter and a sheriff's deputy. The Brewton resident now wants to take that public service to another level as he announced he will be a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Brewton City Council in the Aug. 25 municipal elections.

"I've lived in Alco for 48 years," Royce said. "When my wife and I got married we bought a home in Alco and raised two children there. We're still there. I have something to offer to the people of that district."

Royce, 68, is a native of Selma being born there when his father was stationed at Craig Air Force base.

He graduated from W.S. Neal High School in East Brewton in 1972 and a year later he went to work with the Alabama Forestry Commission. He spent 27 years with the forestry commission fighting fires from California to South Florida and just about every county in the state of Alabama.

He served as president of Escambia County's State Employees Association for 10 years and after he retired he became president of the Escambia County chapter of Retired State Employees.

After retiring from the forestry service, Royce joined the Escambia County Sheriff's Office and currently serves with the rank of sergeant and supervisor of the work release program.

"I've want to run a long time," Royce said of his decision to enter the race. "But I had a lot of respect for Fred Barton and wouldn't run against him. Fred was the type of person if he told you something, he would do it. This is my opportunity."

Royce says he not only wants to represent the Alco area but the city as a whole.

"Due to the coronavirus I haven't been able to get out door-to-door," Royce said. "I want to respect everybody's social distancing. So, if I haven't seen you, I apologize."

Royce did say if anyone has any questions or concerns to call him at 251-867-7546.

Royce said while he wants to represent the entire city, he's concerned about the "rumor" that the city will move the fire station from its present location to the Fitzgerald Motors local near town hall on Highway 31.

"We need two fire departments," Royce said. "We have a great fire department and a great police department but I don't think this location is right. We need a fire department on the north end of the city and one on the south end. I don't want to see the existing fire station closed because it would increase response time to District 5."

"I've dealt with response times my whole life," he said. "Minutes mean saving a home or a life."

Royce also said he's talked to a lot of people along Alco Drive and the once subject that keeps coming up is speeding there and along Pea Ridge Road.

"I fully support the police department but we need to do a better job slowing people down," Royce said.

"I've lived here most of my life," Royce said. "I want to do my part to help the citizens and help the city employees that do a great job."