Horry County swears in new police chief

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Horry County is about to swear in its new police chief.

The district will swear in Deputy Chief Kris Leonhardt at a ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday.

WMBF News will stream the ceremony in this story.

Leonhardt officially takes over the leadership of the Horry County Police Department on Friday after soon-to-be former chief Joesph Hill retires.

MORE COVERAGE | Our one-on-one interview with HCPD Chief Joseph Hill

Leonhardt has worked with the county since 2002, first in the HCPD's patrol division before serving in various units and departments across the county, according to the county.

Most recently, officials said Leonhardt served as executive director and deputy chief of the HCPD Operations Support Bureau, which includes Special Operations, Bomb Squad, Community Engagement, River Patrol, Traffic Enforcement, Airport Police, Street Crimes & Narcotics Unit, Regulatory, Environmental Services and the Animal Care Center.

The district said Leonhardt graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School and then attended both Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Liberty University. He has also completed several programs with the FBI and other local and federal agencies.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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