The City of Lake City has selected Emmanuel Williams as the city’s new Chief of Police. Williams, currently a sergeant with the City of Bennettsville Police Department, will begin his new role March 4 and will be sworn into office in early April.
The decision to hire Williams comes after an extensive search process that garnered more than 24 qualified candidates from across South Carolina and beyond. The search concluded with a public meeting and question and answer session held Wednesday, Feb 21, at the Continuum with the final two candidates: Williams, and Maj. Patrick Miles.
“Everyone was really qualified, and it was a hard decision for the selection committee to make,” said William A. Hall, city administrator. “We selected Williams to give the city new breath and a new direction for our future.”
The 30-year-old Williams is a native of Cheraw and graduate of Coker University. He hopes to bring the community together and build a positive culture in the city. He plans on making Lake City his hometown.
“I’m excited to see what 2024 is going to bring for me, my family, and the citizens of Lake City,” said Williams. “This is my passion, and I feel confident I can step into this role and succeed for the city.”
Williams has also served for 14 years in the Army National Guard where he has learned lessons in core values such as integrity and selfless service.
“Those lessons have become the foundation of who I am today,” said Williams. “My plan is to build on that foundation with the department and community.”
“We welcome him with open arms and anticipate his selection will bring stability to and bolster the leadership of our wonderful police department,” said Mayor Yamekia Robinson. “We hope our community fully embraces him as our new police chief.”