Franklin names Harrell as new police chief
The Town of Franklin recently announced that it has hired Franklin resident Bill Harrell to be its next police chief. When the position became vacant in February, the Town Council of Franklin appointed a search committee to seek a predecessor for former Chief, David Adams, who was hired as the police chief of Waynesville.
After committing to a rigorous process and screening applicants both local and from afar, town resident and Town of Highlands Police Chief Bill Harrell was chosen to lead the department moving forward.
“The Town of Franklin is pleased to welcome Chief Harrell,” said Town Manager Summer Woodard. “His experience, education and proficiency will be an asset to the Franklin Police Department. He is an established leader in our community who is familiar with the Town of Franklin and Franklin Police Department. Chief Harrell will be a great addition to the Town of Franklin.”
Harrell began his career with the Town of Franklin as a patrol officer before continuing his career with the Morganton Public Safety Department, Hickory Police Department, Macon County Sheriff’s Department, and finally, with the Highlands Police Department where he served as police chief for 15 years.
Harrell has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University as well as a Master of Justice Administration from Methodist University, graduating Magna Cum Laude from both. Among his many accolades, he is also a graduate of the North Carolina Justice Academy Management Development Program and a graduate of the West Point Leadership Program.
“Chief Harrell has an outstanding list of accomplishments in the field of law enforcement,” said Franklin Mayor Bob Scott. “He is a graduate of many of the top-level management courses offered by the NC Justice Academy and universities. He has a record for being a leader in the criminal justice system with a long-range vision while putting into practice the latest in technology and community-oriented policing.”
