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Horry County Police Chief Joseph Hill Announces Retirement

Modern facilities of the Horry County Police Department focused on community safety.

News Summary

Horry County Police Chief Joseph Hill has announced his retirement, set for October 4, after 28 years of dedicated service in law enforcement. With new leadership on the horizon as Deputy Chief Kris Leonhardt prepares to step in, the transition is expected to maintain the department’s commitment to public safety and community engagement. Hill’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements in crime reduction and officer mental health support, leaving a lasting legacy as he hands over the reins.

Exciting Changes Ahead for Horry County Police Department

Horry County is buzzing with excitement as news has just rolled in about Chief Joseph Hill announcing his retirement scheduled for the fall. This decision, which he has been contemplating for the past year, comes as a significant moment not only for Chief Hill but for the entire department and community he’s served diligently.

The Retirement Details

According to Horry County spokesperson Mikayla Moskov, the official retirement date for Chief Hill is set for October 4. However, the timeline for finding a new chief is still in the works, and details are expected to emerge in the coming months. Although the exact date has been kept under wraps, it is clear that a transition is imminent.

A Trusty Leader Steps Down

Chief Joseph Hill has been a pillar of leadership for the Horry County Police Department since 2016. Before his leadership in Horry County, he gained a wealth of experience during his 28 years with the Fairfax County Police Department. Under his guidance, the police department made significant strides, especially in combatting violent crime. Notably, his efforts led to the arrests of members of the G-Shine gang, showcasing his commitment to public safety.

In addition to tackling crime, Chief Hill also focused on the well-being of police officers by promoting mental health resources for those grappling with the trauma of their jobs. Furthermore, his experience extended beyond local borders. Hill has worked with the U.S. State Department’s Anti-Terror Assistance Program and has traveled to 13 countries teaching about counter-terror operations and ethical leadership. His diverse expertise is sure to leave a lasting impact on the department and the community.

Meet the New Chief

With Chief Hill’s retirement, the baton will be passed to Deputy Chief Kris Leonhardt, who will officially take over the role of police chief on October 4. Leonhardt’s history with the Horry County Police Department is impressive; having started his journey in 2002, he has taken on various leadership roles, most recently serving as the Deputy Chief for the Operations Support Bureau.

In his previous capacity, Leonhardt managed critical units including the Bomb Squad, River Patrol, and the Narcotics Unit. He holds an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Horry-Georgetown Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University, giving him a solid educational foundation to support the department’s mission.

Swearing-In Ceremony Approaches

Excitement is building for the swearing-in ceremony planned for Leonhardt, which will take place on October 3 at 10 a.m. in the Horry County Council chambers. This event will not only mark the formal transition of power but also highlight the community’s support for their new chief.

The Path Ahead

Leonhardt is enthusiastic about his new responsibilities. He aims to enhance community growth and ensure a smooth transition while building on the groundwork established by Chief Hill. His priorities include addressing long-standing traffic issues and leveraging technology to improve departmental efficiency and case management.

Moreover, Leonhardt is keen on strengthening public trust and fostering partnerships to tackle pressing challenges, particularly drug-related crimes. He believes that open lines of communication and active involvement with community needs will be crucial drivers of success for the department moving forward.

As Horry County prepares for this significant change in leadership, the commitment to safety and community engagement remains at the forefront. With Kris Leonhardt stepping in, residents can look forward to a seamless transition and continued dedication to making their communities safe and welcoming.