Holbrook Ready to Lead the Columbia Police Department

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “Don’t let this be a sign of weakness,” says William “Skip” Holbrook, who fought back tears just moments after being announced as the new Chief of Police for the Columbia Police Department. Friday morning marked the first time William Holbrook spoke to residents as Chief Holbrook. “The chief needs to have a vision, leading by example and actions of and on words. I won’t let you down, I won’t let you guys down,” says Holbrook After the announcement, Holbrook addressed the media. He talked about his career, that spans several decades starting in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1987, and his family’s desire to come back. “This is an opportunity to come home for us,” says Holbrook In his most recent post, as Chief of the Huntington, West Virginia Police Department, reported crime reached a 27 year low, he started the Digital Forensic Unit, Information Technology and Crime Analysis Office and, he says, brought morale up. “I do think that, you know, God has a plan for me and always puts me in places that I need to be at the right time,” says Holbrook He acknowledged the fact that the challenges of being Chief of Police here were evident when applying and that he is aware of controversies surrounding the department. “You’ll never see what happened, repeat again under my watch,” says Holbrook Because of the high rate of turnover, we asked how he would assure the men and women of the Columbia Police Department that he’s here for the long haul? “You’re stuck with me,” says Holbrook He also vowed to be transparent with both the media and the public. “We are going to have a 5 year strategic plan that we will put together, together so we’re going to figure out where we are going and we are going to get there as a police dept. and a community, together,” says Holbrook. Chief Holbrook has also served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. He’s been awarded Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the West Virginia Association of Justice and District Agent of the Year by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Under his leadership, the Huntington Police Department received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Law Enforcement Agency of the Year in both 2011 and 2012. Holbrook is also a graduate of the FBI Academy and has an MBA from Pfeiffer University and BA from Marshall University. He will be paid a salary of $121,500, receive a city vehicle and a benefits package. He tells us, his wife, middle son, daughter, possibly a mother-in-law and the family dog will be making the move with the family to Columbia. Chief Holbrook will be officially sworn in April 11, 2014.