By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

The City of Saluda has a familiar face as its new police chief.

Saluda announced this week it hired Charles Conner as the city’s permanent police chief.

Conner had been serving as the city’s interim chief since the resignation of former Police Chief James Cantrell in January. Conner was hired this week after the city went through a lengthy interview process considering several candidates.

City officials said Conner’s previous experience in supervisory roles and his dedication to Saluda would help take the department in a new direction.

 

Saluda City Manager Jon Cannon praised recent progress in the police department and credits Conner with the changes.

“Mr. Conner did not hesitate to step into the chief position and all of its responsibility when the city needed him most,” Cannon said. “I look forward to working with Mr. Conner for many years to come and being a first-hand witness to the positive changes in the department’s future.”

Conner has worked with the Saluda Police Department since 2009, the last five years being a sergeant.

Conner said with all the changes the city has seen lately he is excited to now be able to play a large part in those changes. When asked about his main goal as police chief, Conner said he simply wants the department to have more community involvement.

“I want residents to know my name and feel like the Saluda Police Department is an open and welcoming environment,” Conner said.

Cantrell had been Saluda’s Police Chief since 2009 before his resignation earlier this year and prior to Cantrell, the city had Tonya Lindsey as its chief for approximately three years.