From STAFF REPORTS

Dale McDorman has been named City of Beaufort’s new police chief, City Manager Bill Prokop announced today.

McDorman, who was appointed interim chief after the death of Chief Matthew Clancy in July, has been with the Beaufort Police Department since 1995, rising from patrolman to deputy chief in 2010.

“After completing a very thorough search and interview process with over 25 applicants, from eight states and one very capable and professional internal candidate for the position of police chief, I am pleased to announce the selection of Interim Chief Dale A. McDorman­ to the position of police chief,” Prokop said. “He did an outstanding job during the interview process with community representatives and City staff. Dale was deputy chief under Chief Clancy and will be building on the programs and methods that were instilled in the Police Department by Chief Clancy.”

McDorman will lead a force of 52 officers and four civilian staffers.

“I believe that the Beaufort Police Department is one of the best in our state and I want to continue that and make us better,” McDorman said. “I plan to focus on community involvement, transparency, and providing a well-trained department to serve the citizens.”

According to a news release issued by the city on Thursday, McDorman plans to establish a Community Advisory Board that will meet to discuss possible community projects, community concerns and help get the police department’s message out to neighborhoods, it stated.

“I believe if we ever grow comfortable with where we are in community service, we are missing something,” he said.

McDorman followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school in Cortland, Ohio. He said he always wanted to be a police officer but since you cannot be a police officer until age 21, he joined the Air Force Security Police to gain some experience.

He served in the Air Force for eight years, then returned to Stark County, Ohio, where he became a sheriff’s deputy.

He came to Beaufort County in 1990, joining the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. In 1995, he moved over to the City of Beaufort Police Department, where he started a K-9 unit.

McDorman was promoted through the ranks, becoming&nbsp;sergeant/operations supervisor in October of 1999 and lieutenant/operations in April of 2005.

In 2010, he was promoted to deputy chief by Chief Clancy.

“Chief Clancy was one of the best and most honorable men I have ever known or worked for,” McDorman said. “He taught me as we went along, and he helped me grow to a better-rounded officer and administrator. Chief Clancy taught me that decisions made in a bubble are likely not the best for all people involved and to always seek input.”

McDorman has a&nbsp;bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia College.

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