By Traci Chapman
Managing Editor
It was 11 years ago that perhaps the lowest day of Tony Jobe’s professional life happened – a devastating tornado that would cause the death of two small Piedmont boys. It was a dark day with a bright light that made it just a little bit better, a light that’s come to personify the best the community has to offer, officials say.
That light was Jobe, who on that darkest of days would illustrate a strength of character and commitment to community that would make recovery possible, former Police Chief Jerry Koester said.
“Throughout my time in Piedmont, Tony was a fine officer – he was well liked and well respected, he was dedicated to his job,” Koester said. “That day, in that terrible time, he was a huge factor in helping people deal with the aftermath. “
And that’s exactly how Jobe has lived his professional life, Chief Scott Singer said. Now in his 20th year and celebrated for those two decades with a Piedmont City Council reception, the now senior lieutenant is a stalwart in the department – providing inspiration and comfort to his fellow officers and the community alike.
“Tony is one of those rare jewels amongst police agencies these days – he has served the citizens of Piedmont with admirable devotion, a fact demonstrated by his willingness to remain with this agency for longer than any officer I’m aware of,” Chief Singer said. “His dedication serves as a model for anyone wishing to follow a career path in the law enforcement environment.”
During his 20 years, Jobe has served as school resource officer, DARE officer and in positions ranging from patrolman and sergeant to lieutenant and senior lieutenant of operations. In addition to his regular duties, Jobe consistently is looked upon as a mentor, always holding up fellow city staff – not just those working at Piedmont Police Department.
And not just on the job, Singer said.
“He’s always at events, always interacting, always providing
positive reinforcement and influence on
everyone,” the chief said. “I have reams of letters of commendation from citizens, other chiefs and for his participation in public events — even from people he’s pulled over to issue a citation to them.”
As president of Piedmont’s Fraternal Order of Police, Jobe has established a rapport and developed a line of communication unique in the city’s history, Singer said.
While negotiations between police and fire unions with their municipal counterparts can be strained, that has never been an issue under Jobe’s leadership – and it’s positively impacted officers and the city itself. In fact, Singer said, those negotiations have been smoother with Jobe in charge than at any time in the past.
“He’s done more as the FOP president than all the prior presidents to build a great working relationship between the city and the FOP,” the chief said. “What he’s accomplished – in that role and just as an officer, as a member of this community – cannot be overstated.
“Piedmont is blessed to have Tony Jobe serving and living here, and I hope he chooses to stay for a long time to come,” Singer said.
