Crime & Courts

Forest Acres appoints new police chief. Here’s who it is

There’s a new chief in town for Forest Acres.

Forest Acres City Council voted unanimously to appoint Don Robinson as the city’s chief of police. He begins Jan. 31

“I believe my ability to recognize crime trends and establish a crime prevention policy will help build on the firm foundation built by Chief Gene Sealy,” Robinson said. “I look forward to continuing his department’s strong legacy of delivering quality service to our citizens and maintaining positive connections with the community.”

Robinson has been with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department for nearly 30 years, where he is currently a captain, a spokesman for Forest Acres said. Robinson has an “extensive history in investigations,” including leading Richland County’s investigative division.

He’s lived with his family in Forest Acres for 20 years.

Capt. Don Robinson of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department will soon take over and Chief of Forest Acres Police Department.
Capt. Don Robinson of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department will soon take over and Chief of Forest Acres Police Department. Provided.

Robinson had a “shared vision” with city council members, Mayor Frank Brunson said.

“Captain Robinson’s expressed vision meshed with council’s goals and objectives for moving Forest Acres forward,” he said. “He offers decades of local experience to our region and brings a unique set of organizational abilities to our department.”

Sealy, the current chief, announced last year he was retiring. In November, he received South Carolina’s highest honor, the Order of the Palmetto.

“I know he will appreciate working in our wonderful city and will find our residents and business owners very supportive of our police department,” Sealy said. “Most importantly, he will get to lead a great police department with skilled officers and staff to serve our citizens.”

Forest Acres is a city surrounded by Columbia.
Forest Acres is a city surrounded by Columbia. Tracy Glantz tglantz@thestate.com

This story was originally published January 13, 2022 at 3:08 PM.

David Travis Bland
The State
David Travis Bland is The State’s editorial editor. In his prior position as a reporter, he was named the 2020 South Carolina Journalist of the Year by the SC Press Association. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2010. Support my work with a digital subscription
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