Florence Police welcomes two new officers to strengthen community service

Florence, South Carolina – The City of Florence Police Department added two new faces to its ranks last week, marking another step in its effort to strengthen service to the community.

During a swearing-in ceremony, Officer Tristan Thornton and Officer Chase McDaniel officially joined the department as Class 1 Police Officers. The moment was both formal and forward-looking: two officers taking an oath, two careers beginning a new chapter, and a department welcoming new energy into its daily work.

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Officer McDaniel arrives with his certification already completed. Because of that, he will move directly into the Patrol Division, where officers are often the first point of contact between the department and the public. Patrol work places officers in neighborhoods, on local streets, and at the center of calls that can range from routine assistance to urgent response.

Officer Thornton’s path will begin with the next major step in his training. He is set to begin the process of obtaining certification through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, the state training institution for law enforcement certification. That process will prepare him for the responsibilities that come with serving as a certified officer in South Carolina.

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The department shared its excitement in welcoming both officers, saying it looks forward to the “experience, professionalism, and dedication they will bring to our department and community.” The message also invited residents to help congratulate the newest recruits as they begin their work with the City of Florence Police Department.

For a police agency, new officers are more than new names on a roster. They become part of the public face of the department, the people residents may see on patrol, meet during calls for service, or rely on during difficult moments. Each addition helps shape how the department serves and connects with the community.

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With Officer McDaniel heading to patrol and Officer Thornton beginning his certification journey, the City of Florence Police Department is now turning a simple welcome into the start of two new public service paths.