Michael Addison Takes Helm as Clinton’s New Police Chief: A Commitment to Community, Service, and Family

The City of Clinton has named Michael Addison as its new Chief of Police, a position he has earned through nearly two decades of service with the Clinton Police Department. Addison, who began his career in law enforcement with Clinton PD in 2005, now steps into this key leadership role with a deep connection to the community and a passion for public service.

“It’s an honor to be appointed to lead this great team here at CPD,” Addison shared. “I have worked my entire professional career here because this is where I want to make a difference. This is not only where I was born and raised, but where I also choose to raise my children. I love this community.”

A Lifelong Calling

Addison’s passion for law enforcement began at an early age. Reflecting on his childhood in Clinton, he recalled a pivotal influence: “That probably could go back to when Stud Johnson and Bubba Norris used to handcuff me to the fence during CHS football games when I was a small kid. I always looked up to the officers during my childhood. That’s the image that I hope I am still fostering.”

His early connection with public safety grew over time, as Addison also served as a firefighter in his early years, managing both roles as a police officer and firefighter. “Working with both Police and Fire, I was able to get a full understanding of how all first responders work and how we can work together best,” he explained. “I have worked with some great leaders throughout my career and have taken little pieces of their styles and made it into one that works for me.”

Key Experiences Shaping Leadership

Addison’s journey to becoming Chief of Police was shaped by experiences long before his formal career in law enforcement began. His time in the South Carolina Army National Guard during high school was a defining period of leadership development. “My leadership started before my career even began in Clinton. Looking back on it, joining the SC Army National Guard while in high school was a great experience for me,” Addison said.

Throughout his career, he has benefited from the mentorship of many individuals, both within public safety and beyond. “I’ve had some great mentors throughout my career… having a ‘can-do’ attitude has put me in the right positions when I or the city needed it most.”

Goals for the Clinton Police Department

As he takes on this new role, Addison’s primary goals for the Clinton Police Department focus on fostering a positive working environment for his team and continuing to strengthen community ties. “Maintaining an environment where officers want to come to work” is a top priority, according to Addison. “This will help with the recruitment and retention of officers. With officers that know the community, we can achieve more together.”

The city’s growth presents exciting opportunities but also challenges for the department. “Keeping up with the growth will also be a challenge,” Addison acknowledged. “The recruitment and retention of officers will help with this challenge.”

Strengthening Community Relationships

Addison understands that strong community relationships are essential to effective policing. His approach is straightforward: “Be present in the community,” he emphasized. “I am part of this community, so I intend to continue to be there and be with the community. Not just me but the entire team.”

A Family Commitment

Addison’s success is grounded in the support of his family, who have played an essential role throughout his career. His wife, Dr. Courtney Addison, is a constant source of strength and balance. “I couldn’t do this without the support of my family. Courtney keeps all the ducks in a row so that I can focus on what needs to be taken care of at work. She’s my rock,” Addison shared.

The promotion to Chief of Police is a source of pride not only for Addison but also for his children. “My daughter Sadie was so excited when she found out about my promotion. I saw where she was texting many of her friends about it,” Addison said. His stepdaughter Gracie also expressed pride in her stepfather’s achievement.

A particularly touching moment with his daughter, Sadie, taught Addison a valuable lesson about balancing work and family life. “One of the lessons learned from one of my not-so-finest moments was taught to me by my 10-year-old daughter. I was on the phone handling business while going from the softball field to dinner, and Sadie went inside the restaurant and told my wife, ‘Daddy’s on the phone, as always.’ That moment showed me the sacrifices my family makes for my career. It was a lesson for me to recognize the importance of balancing work and life.”

Addison acknowledges the sacrifices his family continues to make and credits them for his success. “They will never know how proud I am of them and how thankful I am for the lessons they teach me about life,” he added.

Looking to the Future

As Chief of Police, Addison hopes to leave a lasting legacy of integrity, community, and service. His advice to young officers starting their careers is simple yet profound: “Listen, learn, and relax,” he said. “Listen to the officers you work with. Learn—that never stops. And relax—find time for yourself. We all need decompression and to do something with some stress relief.”

In his free time, Addison enjoys being with his family and supporting his children in their activities, whether attending or cheering them on at sports events. “Juggling the job and family can be difficult at times, so I enjoy spending as much time as I can to be present with them when I can,” Addison said.

The City of Clinton can look forward to strong leadership from a Chief who not only brings years of experience but also a genuine love for the community he serves.