Holly Springs Police Celebrates 50 Years

HOLLY SPRINGS, GA — Residents, elected officials and other movers and shakers in Holly Springs gathered last week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the city's police department.

City officials, residents and, of course, police officers, gathered to commemorate the golden anniversary of the department, which began in 1968 with one man patrolling the town with one car. The Holly Springs Police Department now has 35 men and women who patrol those same streets as well as new roads that were created with the community's growth.

An Honor Table was prepared for the police chiefs who were unable to attend the event, and a special anniversary badge was created for the occasion and presented to every officer.

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"We're not what we used to be, and we're not what we're going to be," said Police Chief Mike Carswell. "I'm following in the steps of good chiefs, Clarence Williams, J. C. Bradley, James Vaughn, Charles Allen, Randy Moore, and Ken Ball. Each made forward strides in our community and helped shape who we are. Now we're stepping up to redefine us once again. It's been a great 50 years, and I'm optimistic that the next 50 years will be even greater."

While the Holly Springs Police Department looks drastically different from its humble beginnings, the agency and city notes its commitment to serving and protecting the public remains the same.

"Some things shouldn't change," HSPD said. "And we're proud of it."

Photo 1: from left to right are former chiefs Charles Allen, Randy Moore, Ken Ball and current chief Mike Carswell.

Photo 2: Chief Mike Carswell presents 50th Anniversary badge to Betty Williams, wife of Holly Springs' first police chief Clarence Williams.

Photo credits: Holly Springs Police Department