The search is on for the next permanent chief of the Horry County Police Department.

Thresla Dewitt, with the county’s human resources department, said the ad was posted Monday on the county’s website.

Dewitt was unsure Thursday just how many applications had been received, as all must be submitted electronically.

The posting lists the salary range as $69,947 to $104,920. All applicants must have a minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience.

The posting closes on Aug. 23.

Another unknown at this point is whether interim Chief Saundra Rhodes has thrown her name into the fold.

Rhodes referred the question to Sgt. Robert Kegler, spokesman for the HCPD, who wouldn’t comment on whether she had formally applied for the job. Rhodes has served as interim chief since late February following the retirement of Horry County’s former top cop, Johnny Morgan, after 41 years of service.

Horry County officials selected Rhodes, a 19-year veteran of the department, to oversee the department until a permanent replacement was found. She is the department’s first female chief.

Prepared for disaster

Horry County employees spent three days this week setting up points of distribution that would be used in the event of a catastrophic event, such as a hurricane or earthquake.

Alicia Sanders, with Horry County Emergency Management, said between 150 and 200 employees took part. They trained on how to use heavy equipment to move pallets of supplies that would be distributed to area residents if a disaster were to strike.

The distribution points would provide residents with water, ice and ready-to-eat meals, Sanders added. Any Horry County school that isn’t already serving as an emergency shelter could be used as a POD.

Sanders said the county hosts these POD trainings at least once a year.

Contact BRAD DICKERSON at 626-0301.