The Town of Winnsboro announced Monday evening that the search for a Director of Public Safety for the Winnsboro Department of Public Safety has come to an end.

Interim chief Freddie Lorick was appointed to the top position the day after Winnsboro Town Council went into executive session to discuss the personnel matter.

A press release from Town Manager Don Wood states “He [Lorick] is particularly suited for this position in that he has the prerequisite experience, education, certifications and commitment for excellence mandated for this position.”

The minimum requirements for the position are a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with 10-15 years of experience in law enforcement and fire supervision, at least five of which at the management level. The candidate must have also successfully completed required courses at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy and Fire Academy, hold required certifications, possess a valid S.C. driver’s license and either live or be willing to relocate to Fairfield County.

Lorick served as Deputy Chief for more than seven years before being named interim chief following former chief Wayne Yates resignation days after he was arrested for his involvement in a barroom brawl last October.

Lorick possess a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies as well as an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. He has completed several fire training courses through the S.C. Fire Academy and Department of Public Safety, and he is law enforcement certified through the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy.

In his application to the town, Lorick said “I have spent the past 13 1/2 years building relationships, and gaining the respect of my co-workers as well as the Winnsboro Community. I believe that my reputation speaks for itself in the community. I believe that I have been an asset to this community, and would be more of an asset as Director of Public Safety if given an opportunity.”

Ricky Gibson with the Department of Public Safety in Greenwood, Major John Seibles with the WDPS, Bernard McDonald, a deputy with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office and Keith Ray who serves as the State Law Enforcement Liaison with the South Carolina Office of Highway Safety in Blythewood, also applied for the chief position.