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Chief John Covington
SENECA — John Covington has been selected to take the reins as the Seneca Police Department’s new police chief after former head, Stanley Sheriff, saw a tumultuous end to his tenure.
“I called Covington today and told him he was going to be the new chief,” Mayor Dan Alexander said. “He’s been put in a tough position here because of Mr. Sheriff’s situation, and we’re glad to be able to promote someone within our own department.”
Covington, who was a major with the department and serving as interim chief, said he was informed of the final decision about 1 p.m. Wednesday. But the news, while perhaps thrilling for Covington, was tempered by his predecessor’s struggles. Sheriff, who started the position in July 2007, was recently removed from the post, and the city listed his job subsequent to an alleged shoplifting incident in Toccoa, Ga. The charge was dropped, and Stanley was cleared to return. Four months had passed since his absence, and the city was had to fill the vacancy. Sheriff has maintained that he suffered a stroke that impaired his memory.
“It’s bittersweet considering Stanley’s situation,” Covington said. “Stanley is a great person. It’s always been a goal of mine to be a police chief. But this didn’t happen the way I wanted it to. I have a lot of sympathy for Stanley and his family, and I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”
For Covington, service in Seneca is a family tradition. His grandfather, Horace Patrick Covington Sr. served on the Seneca City Council for 30 years, while his father, Pat Covington served as police chief before becoming mayor of Seneca from 1979-1986. Wednesday, John became the next in line to serve the city.
The decision of the ad hoc committee, consisting of Ronnie O’Kelley, Anthony “Herman” Smith and Ernest Riley, made a unanimous suggestion to Alexander after reviewing resumes and conducting interviews of all in-house candidates for the position.
Covington took over in the interim for sheriff on April 2. By many people’s accounts, including Alexander’s, he performed admirably.
“Being able to watch John over the last several months has really shown us he has the ability to be the police chief,” Alexander said. “We’re just very thankful for his leadership, his knowledge in law enforcement and his ability to run that department. He’s already proven he’s more than capable of doing the job.”
Alexander spoke with each member of the special committee individually to consider their suggestions before making the decision. Covington, a Seneca High School graduate and former Walhalla Police Officer, served in the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office as well as being a private investigator before joining Seneca’s force.
“John’s done a great job of filling in,” Alexander said. “His ability to lead is evident.”
Covington said he has gotten a firsthand education in the police administration business the last four months, and he plans to use that experience as a point of reference while serving as the permanent chief.
“The man at the top is always held responsible for what happens,” Covington said. “I’ve tried to place the most qualified people around me. That always makes administration easier.”
Covington has a wife, Christie, and three sons — Chris, Adam and Zach. His brother, Jeff, also serves in law enforcement with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
“I’m very surprised, thankful and most of all, humbled,” Covington said. “I will do everything I can to make sure I don’t let the city down.”
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September 4, 2008
1:13 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Congratulations John! The citizens of Seneca will benefit from your leadership and proactive approach towards the criminal element.
September 4, 2008
5:59 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Congratulations John! You have done an outstanding job and your hard work is definitely appreciated. Thank you Mayor Alexander and Council for making your decision quickly. You, without question, chose the best person for the job.
September 4, 2008
6:54 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Polictics is brutal; the good ole boy system is solid; it does not take much to be a police chief in the average South Carolina town beyond who you know. Good luck to you sir.
September 4, 2008
9:05 a.m.Report inappropriate content
applicant,
Bitter b/c you didn't get the job? John is the best man for this job, and time will show the mayor made the right decision. John, my best wishes to you, you'll do great!
September 4, 2008
9:35 a.m.Report inappropriate content
AMEN Thinblueline!! Sounds like Applicant has some sour grapes!
September 4, 2008
10:35 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Applicant
"I for one hope the administrator and council will open the process up again to outsiders (I am a SC native with eight years experience as a chief and a Master’s Degree) again so I can have the opportunity to apply for the position I was more than qualified then and now. To end, having someone who is highly qualified, objective, and honest and in excellent physical condition is not as bad as you think it is."This is taken from a past post of applicant.8 years as a Chief????I wonder who you knew in the town to get the job. What state were YOU in?What happened that you're not still there?Yep sounds a little bitter to me ,too.I am sincere in saying GOOD LUCK JOHN,You HAVE DONE AN OUTSTANDING JOB AND I BELIEVE YOU WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.
September 4, 2008
11:36 a.m.Report inappropriate content
congrats mr covington, makes one wonder though why not open the process out to others how do you know this was the best person? Seems to me the good ole boy is now running the seneca police department. i think this decision was made long time ago. Anyhow goodluck seneca yall will need it with him.
September 4, 2008
1:05 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Good choice!
September 4, 2008
7:20 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Kinda sounds like "hogwild" got into that bunch of "sour grapes" also...and maybe a little bit of jealousy.
September 4, 2008
11:46 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Congrats Cov!!! I'm proud of you man!! -- Harley
September 5, 2008
12:39 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Congrats John,
you will do fine, your a fine man.
September 5, 2008
7:05 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Good homework guys, referring to a previous post yours truly made about the Seneca chief's process. You guys are the best at this anonymous way of expressing your helpful point of views. I am not mad at anyone. Life is too short for that; just voicing my opinion and having some fun.
September 5, 2008
9:01 a.m.Report inappropriate content
We are so proud of you and so excited to see what you will do for the city of Seneca!!! We know that you will do a terrific job because you already have. Just continue to put your faith in the Lord and He will lead and guide you through your life. We love you!!!
Guess what? And that is just anonymous--- you know who I am now.