After 33 years in law enforcement, Scott Peebles has decided to trade in his service revolver to go work with a socket wrench; however, the 52-year-old Chief Deputy Marshal doesn’t consider it a retirement, despite what the paperwork says.
Peebles is now the proud co-owner of Headway Collision Service located at 3682 Washington Road. The auto repair business officially opened its doors last week.
“I loved being in law enforcement, I love the culture. I wasn’t looking to leave, but I always have my eye out for opportunities,” Peebles said.
True to his nature, Peebles did not announce his retirement publicly; there was no press release or pomp and pageantry from the Marshal’s Department to celebrate his retirement from decades of public service.
Peebles even tried to duck out on his own retirement party.
“They tried to surprise me, but it didn’t work,” Peebles said with a laugh.
Peebles began his law enforcement career at age 19 with what was then the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department and moved up through the ranks over the years becoming known for his by-the-book ethics, yet gentlemanly approach.
In 2012, Peebles ran for sheriff of Augusta/Richmond County and lost to Richard Roundtree. However, after the election loss, Peebles remained on Roundtree’s staff as major over the Criminal Investigations Division until 2015, when he moved over to the Marshal’s Department.
Marshal Ramone Lamkin says he is going to miss having Peebles around as his right-hand man.
“I wish him nothing but the best in this new endeavor. Scott’s got a great head on his shoulders and is a man of integrity. If I need my car repaired, I’m going to him!” Lamkin said.
Peebles says that his career as a cop has taught him that life can change in a matter of seconds and it is important not to waste a second of every day.
“I wake up feeling grateful. I have seen how life can change in a second. I don’t want to just exist, I want to live, and I don’t want to look back with regret that I missed an opportunity,” Peebles said.
Peebles will remain with the Marshal’s Department as a reserve officer.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter and Editorial Page Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
