Horry County Police Department officially swore in Kris Leonhardt as the department's new Chief of Police on Friday, October 3, 2024.
“This is a monumental day for us in Horry County.” Incoming County Administrator Barry Spivey said. “We are grateful you answered the call to serve.”
Leonhardt was selected for the role following a nationwide search.
“He’s a man of passion and vision,” Spivey said. “But, more importantly, a husband, a father, and a friend.”
Outgoing Horry County Police Chief Joseph Hill said, “We have somebody who was born and raised in the Horry County Police Department, 22 years of dedicated service. I've had the honor to work with this man for the last eight years and I will tell you something that the Horry County Police already knows: he's a good man. He's going to be a phenomenal chief. I am so very proud to turn over the reins to him."
Leonhardt has been a member of Team Horry since 2002. He has spent time in a number of different units and divisions throughout the agency.
“As we move forward on the momentum our great Chief Hill established, I look to build upon that as our agency grows. I know we will face challenges and success, but as Team Horry, we can face them head-on and succeed.” Chief Kris Leonhardt said. “We all have a common goal, to support our community and make it the best place to work, play, and live.”
“I look forward to working with him, and his entire team of the Horry County Police Department, as we continue to work to enhance the quality of life for our citizens, to invest and develop Team Horry--specifically the Horry County Police Department--to address the sufficiency and quality of services we give to our community,” Spivey said.
Leonhardt was born in North Carolina and graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School. He went on to attend Horry Georgetown Technical College, and Liberty University, where he studied Criminal Justice.