Horry County has selected current Deputy Chief Kris Leonhardt to be the next Chief of Police for Horry County Police Department.
Leonhardt has been a member of Team Horry since 2002. A quick and adaptable learner, Leonhardt started out with HCPD's Patrol Division before spending time in a number of different units and divisions throughout the agency.
Most recently, Leonhardt served as the executive leader and Deputy Chief of the HCPD Operations Support Bureau, which includes Special Operations, Bomb Squad, Community Engagement, River Patrol, Traffic Enforcement, Airport Police, Street Crimes & Narcotics Unit, Regulatory, Environmental Services, and the Animal Care Center.
Leonhardt was born in North Carolina, and graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School. He went on to attend Horry Georgetown Technical College, where he received an Associate's in Criminal Justice, followed by Liberty University, where he completed a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice.
Through a continued commitment to training and professional development to better serve his community, Leonhardt also completed the FBI Command School, FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy, FBI-HDS Executive Management Course, US Department of Justice Executive Leadership Course, and the Horry County Government Leadership Development Program.
Outside of work, Leonhardt is a dedicated father and husband, and an active youth sports coach.
A swearing-in ceremony will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at 10 a.m., in Horry County Council Chambers (1301 2nd Ave., Conway, SC 20526). Members of the community are welcome to attend.
Leonhardt will begin his new role upon current HCPD Chief of Police Joseph Hill's official retirement on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.