Promotional Ceremony CPD’s Second In Command Named; Service Pins Awarded
May 14, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Columbia Police Chief William ‘Skip” Holbrook proudly announced three significant promotions this morning at Columbia Police Headquarters. Most notably, he named his second in command.
This morning’s event marked Chief Holbrook’s first such recognition ceremony since leading the department last month.
Chief Holbrook says, “These notable promotions mark a positive progression for the Columbia Police Department. These men and women have an exceptional level of law enforcement experience. Their advancements help CPD build upon its vision. Their proficiency will continue to benefit City of Columbia citizens. ”
Chief Holbrook has promoted Melron Kelly from Major to Deputy Chief, or second in command.
Deputy Chief Kelly will continue to command the Uniform Operations Bureau which includes:
* Patrol Division
* Gang Unit
* Drug Suppression Team
* Pro-Active Community Enforcement
* K9 Unit
* Traffic Safety Unit
* Warrant Team
* Crime Prevention Unit
* School Resource Officers
* Community Safety Officers
Kelly, a Columbia native and Columbia High School graduate, received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from South Carolina State University; graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, and attended the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville – 124th Session – Executive Police Leadership program in 2010, and the 62nd Session of the DEA Drug Commanders Academy in Quantico, Virginia in 2007. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree from the University of Louisville majoring in Justice Administration.
An officer of the Columbia Police Department since 1999, Major Kelly began his career with the department as an Explorer in 1990 at the age of 13. He first served as the residential officer at a local KOBAN, or youth safe haven.
He advanced in his career as a narcotics Investigator, Sergeant, Lieutenant, North Region Captain, Major of Operations Division, and as Interim Chief of Police.
Deputy Chief Kelly is married with two children.
Additionally, Kellie Yates has been promoted from Lieutenant to Captain of West Region which encompasses the Harbison area. As the commander Yates supervises up to twenty officers. The division is responsible for providing year round, twenty four (24) hour patrol services to the City of Columbia residents.
Yates: A Georgetown, South Carolina native received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from South Carolina State University. She also earned a Master of Science in Management from Southern Wesleyan University.
Captain Yates began her career with the Columbia Police Department in June of 1999 after graduating from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. While at CPD, Captain Yates advanced in her career as a Master Police Officer, Corporal, and Sergeant. In 2012, she was promoted to Lieutenant. The following year Yates became the Acting Commander of the West Region.
Yates is a member of the American Society for Public Administration, serves on the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association Scholarship Committee, and assists with the Columbia Police Department’s Rescuing Inner-City Students and Kids (RISK) Program.
Also, Tim Holbrook (No relation to Chief Holbrook) has been promoted from Lieutenant to Captain of North Region which encompasses North Columbia.
As the commander he supervises up to sixty sworn officers and the division is responsible for providing year round, twenty four (24) hour patrol services to the City of Columbia residents.
Captain Holbrook began his career with the Columbia Police Department in June, 1989. Since that time, he has worked in the Patrol Division, Crime Analysis Unit, Narcotics Division and the DEA Task Force.
Holbrook was selected as the officer of the year in 2001. Additionally, Holbrook advanced his career as Sergeant and Lieutenant.
He has completed the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, South Carolina Narcotics Commanders School and the Columbia Police Department’s Strategy-Leadership Management Course.
Holbrook is married with four children.
After the promotional announcements, Chief Holbrook awarded the following officers their service pins for their dedication to CPD:
5 Years:
Blackwell, Christopher
Brown, Carl
Desrochers, Jr. Scott
Gilbert, Kyle
Green, Antonio
Manning, Ronald
Schaefer, Thomas
Singleton, Kevin
Viehweg, Anthony
Weiler, Daniel
White, John S.
10 Years:
Mattier, Lawrence
Narewski, Christopher
Robinson, Paul E.
Uhall, Robert
Wilson, Ronda
15 Years:
Fisher, James
Scott, William
Vanhouten, Jonathan
20 Years:
Holmes, Mary
Wise, George
The promotions go into effect immediately.
(Photo attached)
Deputy Chief Melron Kelly
CPD Chief William “Skip” Holbrook
City Manager Teresa Wilson
Captain Kellie Yates
Captain Tim Holbrook (No relation to Chief Holbrook)
