The Town of Fort Mill announced today the hiring of Maj. Bryan Zachary as the new Chief of the Fort Mill Police Department. The decision was made following an extensive, five-week search by a committee made up of Town staff and a State police enforcement professional.
“The retirement of the esteemed Fort Mill Police Chief Jeff Helms leaves large shoes to fill,” said Town Manager Davy Broom. “We were fortunate to have excellent candidates to choose from.”
Maj. Zachary has 28 years of law enforcement experience and has dedicated 21 years of his career to the Fort Mill Police Department. He has acted in various capacities throughout his career, notably in supervision and as the department’s Public Information Officer.
“I’m very pleased, honored, and appreciative to be presented with this opportunity, and I’ll continue to work diligently to justify the trust that’s been placed in me. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the Fort Mill Police Department under the direction of Chief Jeff Helms, who leaves behind a legacy of progress and success,” Zachary said. “I look forward to continuing my career in the position of Chief of Police, alongside an exceptional group of dedicated and professional Fort Mill Police Department officers and staff members, as well as our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, our Town Manager and administration, our elected officials, and the citizens of this great community.”
Helms is retiring after 27 years of outstanding service to the Town. He has served in law enforcement for almost four decades, much of that time with the Town of Fort Mill, making him the longest running chief in the history of the Fort Mill Police Department. Under his leadership, he has overseen the expansion of the department’s police force and brought Fort Mill forward with its technological capabilities. He has been instrumental in the development of relationships with agencies locally and throughout the state.
“Chief Helms is a valued member of our team and a beloved servant to the Town,” said Broom. “The Town of Fort Mill has consistently been recognized as one of the Top 5 Safest Cities in South Carolina. This is a testament to the talented and dedicated law enforcement staff who have served under the Chief’s guidance and leadership.”
“We are fortunate to have someone with Bryan’s knowledge and experience in law enforcement to call upon to lead a talented and dedicated Fort Mill Police force,” Broom said.
“I am proud that the performance and reputation of our police department has drawn many excellent candidates for this position,” said Mayor Guynn Savage. “This is a critical role in our community, and I know our new Chief will carry forward the excellence in our department that we are most proud of.”
Zachary will be sworn into office at the Aug. 9, 2021 Fort Mill Town Council meeting.