Smithfield Town Manager Michael Scott announced Friday he has named Keith Powell the new police chief. Powell had been the interim chief of police since Scott was hired as the town manager on May 3rd. Scott had been the police chief since 2009.
A total of 14 people had applied for the position.
Powell has worked his way up the ranks of the police department. A graduate of South Johnston High, Johnston Community College and NC Wesleyan College, Powell began work with the agency in 1994. He has held the ranks of Housing Authority Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Patrol Commander, Captain and most recently Interim Chief.
Scot said, “This decision came after a nationwide search for applicants, a testing process that spanned the last four months that also included the assistance of not only town staff, but assistance from the Smithfield Town Council and two citizen volunteers.”
Chief Powell will be sworn into his position during the October 4th town council meeting.
