LAURINBURG — On Monday it was announced that Police Chief Darwin “Duke” Williams has had second thoughts on his retirement and he will be keeping the position.
According to City Manager Charles Nichols, there are no further steps since Williams is currently an active employee for the city and will continue to maintain his position as police chief.
“I was extremely excited when he announced that he was going to stay,” Nichols said. “What he’s brought to this community is unmatched and it was going to be hard to find someone with his knowledge of the community.
“I wasn’t overly excited when he announced his retirement, but I was fully supportive of him.” he added. “But I’m happy for the community and city getting to keep such a strong leader.”
The announcement was sent out late Monday afternoon to city council members and media with the letter Williams sent to rescind his previous retirement letter.
“I have received so many calls from well-wishers, from the youth to the elderly, not only to thank me for my service but also asking me to reconsider,” Williams said. “With all that being said, after much prayer and consideration with my family, I am respectfully requesting to rescind my retirement notice. I truly feel like I have much more to contribute as part of this team for the residents of Laurinburg.”
Williams has served 26 years in law enforcement and has served the past six years as police chief. He had a retirement date of Aug. 31 and had accepted a new position as district safety officer for Scotland County Schools beginning Sept. 1.
Williams will not be taking the position with the school district since he will be staying with the police department. The school system is currently working to figure out what the next steps are for hiring someone else for the position.
Katelin Gandee can be reached at 910-506-3171 or kgandee@laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com.
