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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR RODNEY LYNN KEZIAH, FORMER CHIEF OF POLICE FOR THE SURFSIDE BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT, FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE SECURITY AND SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN OF SURFSIDE BEACH, AND TO WISH HIM SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives have learned that Rodney Lynn Keziah, chief of police for the Surfside Beach Police Department, has stepped down from office after a distinguished four years of service on February 17, 2017; and
Whereas, Rodney started his law enforcement career in 1984 as a communications officer for the sheriff's office in Union County, North Carolina while still attending high school. In 1988, he became a sworn deputy with the same office; and
Whereas, in 2000, Rodney moved to Myrtle Beach and became a police officer for the Myrtle Beach Police Department, where he attained the rank of corporal and worked uniform patrol, traffic division, and special events coordinator; and
Whereas, Surfside Beach Police Department hired Rodney in 2008 as a patrolman. Between 2008 and 2013, he worked uniform patrol and climbed through the ranks of corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant overseeing uniform patrol operations, training, and special events. In 2013, Rodney graduated from the FBI National Academy, Class 252, and became Chief of Police for the Surfside Beach Police Department; and
Whereas, during his tenure with the Surfside Beach Police Department, Rodney emphasized community-oriented policing as a cornerstone of his administration. Upon his appointment as Chief of Police, he assisted communities in the creation of Neighborhood Watch groups. He started the town's first Citizen's Police Academy, graduating five classes of informed citizens. Furthermore, he implemented the National Coffee with a Cop program in Surfside Beach, bringing community stakeholders and police officers together in an informal setting to build community bonds; and
Whereas, additionally, Rodney created problem-oriented policing zones in the town with officers assigned to each zone to address quality of life issues for the community and brought back police K-9 teams to address narcotics issues, help track missing and endangered persons, and engage the community through public demonstrations; and
Whereas, prior to legislation requiring law enforcement officers to wear body cameras, Rodney secured funding for the purchase and implementation of body cameras for all police officers in Surfside Beach. Recognizing the needs of Surfside Beach's senior citizens, Rodney also taught a Senior Citizen's Safe Driving Course at no cost to town residents; and
Whereas, Chief Keziah announced his resignation as Chief of Police effective February 17, 2017. His legacy as a champion of genuine community-oriented policing led the Surfside Beach Police Department to new heights of community trust and engagement. This was done through superior leadership skills and outstanding community engagement. He was able to recognize that partnerships between the community and the police are the foundations of a safe community. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Rodney Lynn Keziah, former Chief of Police for the Surfside Beach Police Department, for his dedicated service to the security and safety of the people of the town of Surfside Beach, and wish him success and happiness in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Rodney Lynn Keziah.
This web page was last updated on February 28, 2017 at 2:32 PM