John Seibles has been named Chief of Police for the Winnsboro Department of Public Safety. Seibles was appointed interim chief last October after his predecessor Freddy
John Seibles
Lorick, Sr. was arrested in a prostitution sting in Columbia.
Lorick was charged with first-degree solicitation. His trial is slated for April 26 in Richland County.
Winnsboro Town Manager Don Wood hired Seibles for the permanent position on March 23.
“I had applied for the position and, you know, it’s a small town and you hear little rumors, but the confirmation came and I guess I was not necessarily that surprised, but kind of sort of,” Seibles told The Voice last week.
Seibles’ 42-year career in law enforcement began in the Fairfield County Department of Corrections and included a stint with the Town of Winnsboro from 1978-1982 and later with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s office. He also served 10 years as Director of the Fairfield County Detention Center and after his retirement he returned to the Winnsboro Police Department in 2003 as a Resource Officer.
Seibles said his initial focus as Police Chief will be to upgrade his department, maintain the most up to date equipment and have more extensive training for his officers as well as finding the most qualified officers.
“I think if we have the equipment, make sure we employ the most qualified people we can get, and make sure they’re trained in all areas, then I think we can provide a valuable service to the community,” Seibles said.
Seibles said a strong working relationship between the Town Council and Police Department will be pivotal to fulfilling his desires for the department.
“I am confident that we have a strong enough relationship to make that happen,” Seibles said. “I appreciate them (Town Council) so much,” Seibles said. “I enjoy the relationship, and they’re just awesome.”
