Pocatello Police Chief retiring after 38 years of service

Pocatello Police Chief Scott Marchand will be retiring this summer after more than 30 years of service in the Gate City.

Marchand has been Chief for the past seven years and began his career with the Sheriff’s office in 1982 before moving to the Pocatello department in Aug. of 1984. Now, his last day, June 17, is nearing.

After 38 years in the Bannock County law enforcement community, Marchand said it’s just the right time to step away.

“I’ve been here a long time, it’s time for some new ideas. It’s time for a new push. You don’t ever want to overstay your welcome,” he said.

Marchand doesn’t have any big plans for life after retirement, though he wants to spend time with his grandson and wife in a relaxing and worry-free environment.

Marchand says there are lots of things law enforcement officials have to worry about every day, but he’s never worried about the capability of his department.

“The men and women of this department, from top to bottom, I’ve been blessed,” Marchand said. “We have the best policemen. Every Chief’s gonna tell you that, well I can tell you that with certainty.”

A lot has changed in Marchand’s time.

“When I started, you had to handwrite your reports,” he said.

Looking forward, Marchand doesn’t think he’ll miss the job, but he’ll deeply miss those he’s worked with.

“It’s gonna be nice to relax and not worry about the job but it’s gonna be tough not to see the people that you’ve seen year after year after year,” he explained. “That’s gonna be the tough part.”

Even though he is stepping away from the department, Marchand said that he isn’t going anywhere and that he plans to continue working with the community to make it a better place.

The Pocatello Police Department is currently conducting a nationwide search for Marchand’s replacement.