The City of Manning has selected Lt. Sean Briley to serve as its next chief of police, succeeding Chief Keith Grice, who will retire from law enforcement on Dec. 19 after years of service to the community.
City officials announced the appointment Friday afternoon, noting that a public swearing-in ceremony for Briley will be scheduled in the near future.
Mayor Julia Nelson said the city was encouraged by the level of interest and experience among those who applied for the position.
“We had a number of strong candidates, and it speaks well of our police department to have so many qualified applicants from within our own ranks,” Nelson said. “It’s always encouraging when a member of Team Manning is able to step into a role as important as this one.”
Nelson added that the city’s leadership feels confident in Briley’s ability to guide the department forward.
“We have complete confidence that Chief-elect Sean Briley will be capable of leading and managing our great officers to the next level of excellence,” she said.
Briley brings more than two decades of law-enforcement experience to the role. He began his career in 2005 with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for a little over 11 years before joining the Manning Police Department. During his nine years with the city, he has worked in every division of the department and has supervised each at various points in his career.
He holds a master’s degree in Administration of Justice and Security, a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and an associate degree in Criminal Justice. Briley is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, one of the most prestigious law-enforcement leadership programs in the nation.
Briley said he is honored to take on the department’s top role and is focused on strengthening both the agency and its relationship with the community.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my service to the City of Manning in this new position,” he said. “Working with our dedicated team, I am committed to implementing innovative ideas that will strengthen our department and build even deeper trust within our community. I am blessed to serve and protect our citizens and officers as the Chief of Police.”
Chief Grice’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for the Manning Police Department, while Briley’s appointment begins a new one—one city leaders say they believe will continue the momentum and progress of recent years.
