Deputy Chief Melron Kelly
Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook announces that Deputy Chief Melron Kelly has been selected as one of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) ‘40 under 40’ Award winners.
According to the IACP, the 2016 award program recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership and commitment to their profession:
“Award winners will represent the law enforcement leaders of today as well as the leaders of tomorrow…”
Winners were selected based on the following criteria:
- Complies with age and employment requirements
- Demonstration of values and commitment to law enforcement
- Capacity for leadership
“I am grateful to be included in this elite group of award winners, especially from an organization that I respect,” Deputy Chief Kelly says. “Success attained over the years is a blessed gift. As a product of Columbia and while living my childhood dream, it’s important not to forget your roots.”
Chief Holbrook adds, “Deputy Chief Kelly is a dynamic leader who brings great balance, perspective and humility to the Columbia Police Department. His leadership style is exactly what is needed to address the many challenges and opportunities facing law enforcement today.”
Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson says, “I am extremely proud of Deputy Chief Kelly. He is most deserving and has demonstrated a sincere passion for his profession over the years-ascending from Youth Explorer to Deputy Chief of Police in the Columbia Police Department.”
Kelly received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from South Carolina State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville. He has also attended the Southern Police Executive Leadership Program and DEA Drug Commanders Program, and is a member of various community and social organizations, including NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Eau Claire Promise Zone Harmony, Inc. and other affiliations.
Deputy Chief Kelly joined CPD in May 1999 after graduating from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. His first assignment was serving as the Residential Officer in the Waverly Street KOBAN.
Deputy Chief Kelly spearheaded the Beyond the Badge Community Service Program for newly-sworn officers, Columbia Ceasefire Initiative with law enforcement partners combating gun violence occurring in 29203 neighborhoods, and was recently inducted into the Columbia Housing Authority’s Wall of Fame. Chief Kelly was also part of the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Class of South Carolina Black Pages, 20 Under 40 Awards in 2015.
Award winners will be formally recognized on October 17, 2016 at the San Diego Convention Center in California.