FLORENCE – The Florence Civil Service Board approved the removal of the interim tag for police chief Mike Holt and made the move permanent.

The Florence Police Department (FPD) confirmed that Holt was elevated to chief. Holt succeeds former Chief Ron Tyler, who announced his retirement in April after 12 years leading the force. His last day as chief was June 28.

Holt joined the FPD in 1996.

“I am grateful and honored for the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Florence Police Department into our next chapter,” he said.