DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – The City of Darlington named its next police chief, Kelvin C. Washington of Hemingway, Wednesday afternoon.
“Mr. Washington was the most qualified applicant, and he brings credibility and stability to that office. I feel he’s the right person at the right time for the City of Darlington,” City Manager Howard Garland said.
The position became after the recent retirement of Daniel L. Watson, who served in that post since 2011 after the death of Jay Cox.
Darlington’s Captain James C. Davis has served as interim chief since January 8.
Washington hit the ground running. He met with the command staff last week.
“One of the very first things that we did was once everything was settled with the job. I reached out. I said ‘Hey guys relax, I realize this is going to be something new. It’s going to be something different but I think you all are going to find that in the end, you’re going to find it’s something good for everyone’,” said Washington.
Washington has more than 28 years of public safety leadership and administrative management. He is the current presidentially appointed U.S. Marshal for the District of South Carolina, serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the federal district court, and manages a $35+ million budget and a team of 170 staff. Prior to that appointment, he served as sheriff of Williamsburg County for 12 years.
“Those jobs are different. It gives me quite a bit of experience,” said Washington.
Washington says he’s committed to moving the city forward through community outreach.
“The first couple of months, I’m going to be spending a lot of time meeting and greeting the residents of the community. Giving them the opportunity to meet with me, express some of their concerns as quickly as we can. The ones we cannot address quickly, at least take those concerns into consideration,” said Washington.
Mayor Gloria Hines says she wants more transparency. Washington says he is up for the challenge.
“Sometimes that brings some difficulty because we have to tell people things they don’t want to hear but honesty requires being transparent. Transparency requires you being honest,” said Washington.
Washington’s US Marshal term is set to end in the next two months. He says he wanted to stay in the area.
Before making big plans to change the department. The plans to access the good and bad.
“To see what’s there, what’s working, what’s not working and try to find out what the needs of the community are and then try to meet those needs,” said Washington.
Next week, Washington will meet with council members. He is set to start between now and April 1st.
Garland says Chief Washington will earn $90,000 a year.
About $14,000 more than former Chief Danny Watson, at $76,291.
He will take office in late March or early April once his term as U.S. Marshal expires.
