Sunny Skies and New Beginnings in Cayce
Good morning, Cayce! As we step into November, our beautiful city is witnessing a mix of sunshine and clouds, creating a comfy and inviting atmosphere. Early risers might experience some mist and reduced visibility at times, but don’t worry! The day is expected to warm up to a delightful 82 degrees Fahrenheit later on. With light and variable winds, it’s the perfect weather to enjoy a stroll or perhaps even catch up with a neighbor as you sip on your favorite morning coffee.
Meet Chief Herbert Blake
Speaking of fresh starts, we have exciting news in the Cayce community! We’ve welcomed Chief Herbert Blake as our new police chief, and he’s already making quite an impression during his first week in the role. Chief Blake is not just any officer; he’s a seasoned veteran with a rich background in law enforcement.
“I’ve been busy having a lot of meetings and I have a lot more planned,” Chief Blake shared with the media. His commitment to understanding the community’s needs is evident. “As I wrap up my discussions with staff and community members, I would like to hold listening sessions in each district with the district councilman. It’s important to hear from citizens in those communities about their concerns and what we should prioritize as we move forward in protecting the city,” he explained enthusiastically.
A Background in Leadership
Chief Blake certainly comes to us with impressive credentials. Before joining us, he served as the Chief Deputy of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office in Asheville, North Carolina. He has also led the Hendersonville Police Department for an impressive 13 years and was with the Loris Police Department as their police chief for seven years prior to that.
A native South Carolinian, Chief Blake kicked off his law enforcement career in Ridgeland. He has made it clear that community engagement and professional policing are at the forefront of his agenda. His educational achievements, such as a Master’s Degree in Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, back up his in-depth knowledge.
He has also undergone advanced leadership training at renowned institutions, including the School of Executive Leadership at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration and the Police Executive Development Program at Penn State University. No wonder our city leaders are excited about his appointment!
Community Support
Jim Crosland, our Interim City Manager, shared in the excitement. “Chief Blake’s experience and reputation in professional policing across North and South Carolina truly stood out to the selection committee,” he mentioned. With a shared vision for the safety of Cayce, both leaders are eager to get started on projects that will serve the community well.
Chief Blake isn’t just a police chief; he’s a family man! He and his wife, Linda, have celebrated 37 wonderful years together and are proud parents to five grown children and six grandchildren. This blend of personal and professional commitment is sure to resonate well within our community.
Looking Ahead
As we transition into a new month and continue to embrace the warmer weather, let’s keep an open mind and take note of Chief Blake’s upcoming listening sessions. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us as citizens of Cayce to voice our thoughts and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our city’s safety and wellbeing.
So, as the sun peaks through the clouds today and we enjoy the beautiful weather, let’s also celebrate new beginnings in our beloved community. Stay tuned for more updates from Chief Blake and let’s all do our part to make Cayce an even better place to live!
Happy November, Cayce!
