SURFSIDE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Surfside Beach’s new Chief of Police officially assumed his role Thursday afternoon.
Kenneth Hofmann started as the interim chief since February after Chief Rodney Keziah handed in a letter of resignation in January. Hofmann and was named to the chief position Monday night at a regular called town council meeting.
When town officials made the announcement, the new chief received a standing ovation from everyone in the room.
“I’m very flattered that you would have me do this position,” said Hofmann. “I’m just an Horry County boy, but I love this town. I grew up here, and I’m proud to do this, so thank you for trusting me.”
Thursday afternoon leading up to Chief Hofmann’s swearing in ceremony, he was nervous. As he sat down to write his speech, he said the only thing he really wanted to say was “thank you.” Thank you, to the town and people who have supported him in his different roles with the Surfside Beach Police Department and the officers who he’s worked beside for years to protect the small beach town.
“Any police officer’s dream would be to be the chief of police, and for me, in the small town where I started my career. So, it’s a big deal for me,” Chief Hofmann said. “I’m really excited.”
While Chief Hofmann may have been full of appreciation during Thursday’s ceremony, he was all business when he addressed the challenges of the town. Hofmann noted that Surfside Beach is known as a family beach, and he intends on it staying that way.
“Surfside Beach is the family beach. That is our trademark,” states Chief Hofmann. “We’ve responded in light by taking action against those things that make this not a family beach.”
Chief Hofmann says a top priority for him is to strengthen the relationship between officers and the people who live in Surfside.
“In a small town, community oriented policing is everything. Those partnerships that we build with the stakeholders in the community are everything about keeping our crime levels as low as we have here in Surfside,” voices Hofmann.
Surfside Beach Mayor Bob Childs says the town did receive several applications for the chief position, but after considering all candidates, the town couldn’t be more pleased with removing the “interim” from Chief Hofmann’s title.
“We had a committee that looked through all the applicants and really did a thorough study,” said Mayor Childs. “And Mr. Hofmann, he came out on top. We like to work with him and we found he does an excellent job for the town. I just can’t say enough good about Kenny Hofmann.”
