The Hinesville Police Department (HPD) has promoted Captain Bill Kirkendall to Assistant Chief of Police effective Dec. 1, following the retirement of current Assistant Chief of Police, Major Julian Hodges on Nov. 30.

“Captain Kirkendall has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career with the HPD and I am confident that he will be an even bigger asset in this new role,” HPD Chief of Police George Stagmeier said.

Kirkendall has been with the HPD for more than 26 years, having been hired in 1990. He has served as a field training officer, DARE officer, drug team investigator, assistant commander, administrative support corporal, traffic accident investigation commander, internal affairs investigator and uniform patrol division commander.

Kirkendall has received over 2,800 hours of advanced law enforcement training throughout the course of his career and serves as the president of the Georgia Police Accreditation Coalition. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public safety from Mercer University and an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Savannah Technical College.

MajorHodges had served the public and HPD for 41 years. Known as a quiet, private and humble man, Hodges was presented his service credentials and recognized for his faithful service during a private departmental luncheon held this past week.

There will be a full story about Hodge’s career in the Dec. 4thissue of the Courier.