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By Erin Smith
A new police chief has taken over the helm of the Bladenboro Police Department on Tuesday morning.
William Howell took his oath of office on Tuesday in Bladenboro as Interim Police Chief Randy Sykes and Lt. Kevin Rouse looked on. His oath of office was administered by Town Clerk/Interim Town Administrator Melanie Hester.
Sykes officially relinquished his duties as Interim Chief but said he will remain on the force for a brief time as lieutenant at the request of Chief Howell. Both Sykes and Rouse said they are looking forward to working with Chief Howell.
Bladenboro Mayor Rufus Duckworth, who did not attend the swearing in ceremony, said “I think he’s going to really bring a lot to the table.”
Duckworth said the town received several applications and narrowed the candidates down to three. Duckworth said the town board decided to interview three of the candidates. Mayor Duckworth said after the board had completed the interviews, Chief Howell was their choice.
Howell began his law enforcement career in 1997 with the Elizabethtown Police Department and then five years later he was hired by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. While he was working with the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, Howell worked as a Shift Supervisor and Major Crimes Detective. He has his advanced law enforcement certification.
When asked about coming to Bladenboro, Chief Howell said, “The opportunity presented itself and I thought it would be a good career enhancement.”
Chief Howell said he is looking forward to meeting the residents of the town and learning about the needs of the community and the police department.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the needs are,” said Chief Howell.
Chief Howell grew up in Robeson County. He was joined at the swearing in ceremony by Deidra Hardin.
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