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Rock Hill officials announced Tuesday that Capt. Chris Watts has been named the city’s new chief of police.
Watts has worked for the Rock Hill department since July of 1988, and has served in the past as a police officer, master police officer and sergeant. He most recently worked as support services captain.
Watts succeeds John Gregory, who retired in December after more than nine years as Rock Hill’s top cop.
Watts said he is excited about the new role as chief and the opportunities it brings. He plans to build on community involvement.
He said he never expected to be a chief and at one point just hoped to make it to detective.
Watts is the first internal chief hire in more than 30 years.
City Manager David Vehaun conducted a nationwide search for Gregory’s successor. The department vacancy drew more than 100 applications.
But all three of the finalists were internal candidates. The others were patrol Capt. Steve Parker and Lt. Brad Redfearn, who is an administrative assistant to the chief and public information officer.
