Was born in Lincolnton North Carolina, and moved to Horry County in his early childhood. Deputy Chief Leonhardt graduated from North Myrtle Beach high school and went on to achieve an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Horry Georgetown Technical College. Leonhardt later obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Liberty University. Chief Leonhardt began his law enforcement career with the Horry County Police Department in 2002.

Chief Leonhardt began as a Patrol Officer with the Horry County Police Department and began to expand his knowledge of the agency by moving to different divisions. During Chief Leonhardt’s law enforcement career he has been exposed to many levels of command including the following units and bureaus:

• Patrol Officer Beach
• Patrol Officer
• Beach Patrol Corporal
• Patrol Corporal
• Patrol Sergeant
• Narcotics Sergeant
• Training Sergeant
• Training Lieutenant
• Central Precinct Patrol Captain
• Deputy Chief of Operations Support Bureau
• Chief of Police

Chief Leonhardt has accomplished many certifications including Motor Officer, River Patrol, CRASE Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Specific Skills Instructor, SWAT Commander, Bomb Squad Commander, Narcotics Commander, FBI Command School, and FBI LEEDA-Trilogy.

Chief Leonhardt is active in his community and gives back by coaching youth sports. Chief Leonhardt is married with two children.