The Town of Franklin recognized several of its employees, including retiring Police Chief Bill Harrell, during the monthly Town Council meeting Monday night.
Town and county officials and local law enforcement officers came out Monday afternoon to recognize Franklin Police Chief Bill Harrell upon his retirement. Even Elvis made an appearance for the occasion. A mannequin dressed as Elvis in his white jumpsuit and an array of memorabilia loaned by the The Elvis Museum in Cherokee decorated the Town Hall board room. “I’ve been a fan of the king for a long time,” Harrell said with a laugh.
Harrell’s family joined him at the reception as others took time to wish him well as he begins a new chapter. The chief began teaching at Southwestern Community College’s criminal justice academy shortly after he announced his retirement in August and will continue teaching.
Harrell began his law enforcement career in 1993 with the Franklin Police Department. He also worked for the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Morganton Public Safety and spent 15 years with the Highlands Police Department, serving as police chief there before returning to FPD in 2020.
Sheriff Robert Holland, who is also retiring, said he remembers Harrell called him the night before his first day as chief and told the sheriff he wanted to build a good working relationship with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’ve got the best working relationship we’ve had in a long time between the two departments,” Holland said. The sheriff said being the top cop can be a lonely place and thanked Harrell for his service and dedication. “You’ve been a good friend for many, many years.”
On behalf of the Franklin Police Department officers, Capt. Devin Holland, presented the chief with a wooden law enforcement flag that the officers signed. “We appreciate all you’ve done for the PD,” Holland said.
Holland will replace Harrell as chief effective Dec. 1. “I’m leaving the Franklin Police Department in fantastic hands,” Harrell said. Holland has 25 years of experience in law enforcement, all with the Franklin Police Department.
Mike Langley presented Harrell with a retirement certificated from the local Fraternal Order of Police. Blair Myhand, chief of police in Hendersonville and a member of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, also thanked Harrell for his service and said Harrell was “one of the best leaders I know in this profession.”
During Monday night’s Town Council meeting, Mayor Jack Horton presented Harrell with a plaque of appreciation. Sen. Kevin Corbin presented the chief with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. The state award, approved by the governor, is the highest honor given to people who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and accomplishments.
Employee recognition
During Monday’s meeting, the town also recognized several employees with the presentation of service awards.
Steve Apel, who retired as captain in March 2020 was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award.
The following service awards were presented:
10 years: Detective Justin Norman
15 years: Eddie Sheffield (retired) and Jackie Downs, public works
20 years: Capt. Tim Chavis, fire department; Sgt. Christy Evans, police department; Mark McConnell (retired)
25 years: Will Clark, public works; Capt. Devin Holland, police department; Scotty Keener (retired).
See more coverage from the Town Council meeting on page 4A of the Nov. 9 edition of The Franklin Press or in the e-edition.