A small in-person and virtual ceremony was held on Feb. 26, at the City Council Chambers as newly appointed Hinesville Police Chief, Lloyd Slater took his oath of office. The semi-virtual event was livestreamed on the City of Hinesville’s Facebook Page.

City Manager Kenneth Howard acknowledged the city officials attending the event. Afterwards he asked everyone to stand as they presented the HPD Color Guard, and while they sang the National Anthem and said the Pledge of Allegiance. 

“Chief Slater has been a part of the City of Hinesville’s family for some time now,” Howard said. “And he was the perfect choice to head the Hinesville Police Department.”

Howard said that prior to Slater’s appointment he was already serving as the acting Police Chief. Howard said Slater has 34 years of law enforcement experience to include 29 years in a Supervisory position while at HPD. 

“I am proud to say Chief Slater is the First African American to serve as Chief for the City of Hinesville,” Howard said. “Chief Slater has deep roots in our community, and he has all the necessary skills to successfully lead our police department…and I know he will lead with integrity.” 

Chief Slater received his official badge which was pinned to his uniform by his wife Cindy Slater. Mayor Allen Brown then conducted the oath of office.

“I have to admit I really didn’t know you that well,” Brown said before conducting the oath. “You were quietly rising through the ranks. I’ve since learned that you have a very strong commitment, organizational skills and vision. With that I know the police department won’t just be in good hands but great ones.”

Slater spoke after taking his oath saying he was honored and ready to serve the community.

“During the Hinesville Police Department’s 80-year history there have been a number of changes,” said Slater who is now the 11th Chief of the department. “And that is a reflection of progress. During my 34 years at the Hinesville Police Department, I’ve seen many of the changes. I stand before you today as a reflection of those changes.” 

Slater thanked everyone for their support in helping him achieve the position. He extended special well-wishes to his mother and brother who had to remain in New York due to the ongoing pandemic. He thanked his daughter, who was in Maryland in College and his wife Cindy who was able to be by his side for the ceremony.

Slater said he plans to be transparent with the community, using the department’s social media accounts to keep the community informed. 

“We are just beginning and the plans that I have for the future, I will keep the public abreast of. I have to. There is one man who does my evaluation in writing, but every citizen in Hinesville does that evaluation of me every single day…. It does not go unnoticed.”

Slater introduced his Command Staff and said they’ve supported him throughout the entire process.

“The men and women and their support of me…I have an opportunity right now to say thank you,” Slater said. “We have a lot of things to do. There is so much going on it is difficult for me to tell you every single time we do something and the affect that it has on this community. But part of my promise to you is that I will keep you informed. This is a government agency, and we don’t normally go around bragging about everything we do. We just get out there and do our job to the best of our ability and hopefully we come home safe at night. But we have a public to serve.”

He said he also plans to write a report at the end of each year, of all the various activities and things the department has done to keep everyone informed. He added he also welcomed the public’s input and ideas.