"Friend of the Town": Surfside Beach Welcomes Familiar Face as Interim Police Chief

New Leadership in Surfside Beach Police Department

Surfside Beach, South Carolina, is preparing for a new chapter in its police department as the current chief has stepped down. The town council has appointed Captain Bill Mickle as the interim chief for the next 60 days while they search for a permanent replacement. This transition marks another shift in leadership for the department, which has seen multiple changes over the years.

Mickle, who has more than 30 years of experience in local and federal law enforcement, as well as service in the Marine Corps, is stepping into the role with a clear focus on maintaining the progress made under the previous chief, Kenneth Davis. He emphasized that his goal is not to fix what isn’t broken but to continue the positive momentum that Davis has established.

“I really don’t want to fix what’s not broken,” Mickle said. “I just want to keep, like I said, take that torch, take that torch forward.”

Davis, who served as chief for over a year, recently left the department to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector. His departure comes after a period of improved retention, morale, and overall policing within the department. Mickle, who previously served as Davis’ second-in-command, started his career with the Surfside Beach Police Department as a sergeant and had earlier worked with the Myrtle Beach police department.

Mickle expressed his commitment to upholding the high standards and positive environment that Davis created. He believes that community engagement is essential to effective policing. This includes being visible in neighborhoods, walking through the entertainment district, and interacting directly with residents.

“The key is actually going out and gauging the community, getting out of the vehicles, walking around the entertainment district, walking around the neighborhoods,” Mickle explained.

Currently, the department has only one officer vacancy, which Mickle expects to fill soon. He highlighted the importance of offering competitive pay and investing in updated technology and equipment. At the same time, he emphasized his respect for taxpayer dollars and the need for responsible spending.

The town council recently passed stricter regulations for vape and CBD stores, and Mickle said the department will continue to monitor and enforce these laws. He stated that the department will follow the town’s enforcement priorities, ensuring that all laws are upheld consistently.

Mickle and Davis share a personal and professional relationship, which has helped ease the transition. Davis expressed confidence in Mickle’s ability to lead the department effectively. He even mentioned that he would be pleased if Mickle were to become the permanent chief.

“I do think that the sense that we have what this town needs and how this town responds to its public safety professionals, I do think we’re wired together the same way on that,” Davis said. “And I mean it when I say he’ll take this place further than I ever could, he will. And people will be like, wow, that’s the guy. So I’m proud to tell you, he’s my friend.”

Mickle acknowledged that the decision about the permanent chief rests with the town council. While he remains focused on leading the department during this transition, he is open to the possibility of taking on a long-term role.

Davis’s last day with the department is set for August 1. As the community prepares for the next phase of leadership, the focus remains on maintaining the positive direction set by the previous chief and ensuring continued excellence in public safety.