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Matt Hamby has been promoted to Chief of Police of the Greer Police Department. He received unanimous support from City Council Tuesday night.
Hamby, a captain with the GPD, will replace retiring police chief Dan Reynolds on March 31. Reynolds was police chief for 12 years.
“He’s (Hamby) an excellent choice, Councilman Wayne Griffin said. “We had enough choices that we could stay within the (police) department.”
“Not only has he earned the position through his experience, actions and confidence but I honestly believe he is very good in handling the department,” Councilman Wrylie Bettis said.
Throughout the process, started when Reynolds announced his retirement at City Council, Hamby has been overwhelmingly supported by the police department's staff.
Hamby offered a statement in the announcement that was issued through the city’s communications department late Wednesday afternoon.
“I’ve seen the City of Greer go through a lot of changes and growth over the years. I feel like I’m a part of the culture of Greer and look forward to many more years here. I’m extremely honored and appreciative to have this opportunity. I can’t think of a better place to serve in this capacity,” according to the statement.
Councilman Lee Dumas, responded via email. “Thrilled to hear the news about Captain Hamby. He’s served our city well for many years and we’re very fortunate to retain him as our next Chief. This promotion couldn’t happen to a finer, more capable officer.”
Reynolds also offered a statement through the city.
“Capt. Hamby is unequivocally prepared to lead the City of Greer Police Department,” Reynolds’ statement read. “He has displayed professionalism and tremendous ability during each assignment during his career and has earned the respect of our command staff and officers. I’m confident that the department will remain on the cutting edge of law enforcement issues and trends to protect and serve the citizens of Greer.”
Hamby’s police career began in 1993 as a patrol officer in Greer and until he was promoted to captain in 2014 he has served in virtually all departments. He was second in command to Reynolds and supervised all division commanders and ensured compliance within the department.
Hamby has been honored as Rookie of the Year and Officer of the Year.
One of Hamby’s first actions as police chief will be to select a new captain to fill his vacancy.
A native of Greenville and graduate of Mauldin High School, Hamby holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in criminal justice 2012 Anderson University’s Command College of South Carolina.
The promotion means Hamby will be required to move to Greer from Mauldin.
Ed Driggers, City Administrator, made the offer to Hamby. He did not disclose Hamby’s salary or if moving expenses are involved in the promotion.
According to a statement by Driggers, a national search resulted in 50 applicants. “We then narrowed the field to 25 and then to eight. Capt. Hamby continued to rise with each cut and it became apparent that the candidate with the right combination of experience, training and education was already among our ranks.”
Driggers noted that three of the eight finalists were internal applicants. Driggers did not offer names of the finalists or if minorities were included in the process.