N.E. chief killed in car crash
A two-vehicle crash in the town of Perry Wednesday afternoon claimed the life of New Ellenton Police Chief Johnny Hamilton and sent two others to the hospital with serious injuries.
Hamilton was 55. He was not wearing a seat belt.
He was on his way to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division in Columbia shortly before 2:45 p.m., driving his government-owned Crown Victoria, when officials said he disregarded a stop sign at the intersection of Walker and Poole roads.
He was struck by an oncoming full-sized 1994 Dodge truck, driven by Donnie Black of Springfield.
Hamilton's girlfriend, Maria Kennedy, was also in the vehicle with him.
She had several broken bones.
"They were serious, but at this time, we don't believe they were life-threatening," said Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton of Kennedy's injuries.
Both Kennedy and Black were taken to Richland Memorial Hospital.
Black's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Perry Police Chief C.S. Ward attempted to help the victims after the crash, but Hamilton was dead at the scene.
Hamilton had multiple body trauma, Carlton said.
New Ellenton Mayor Vernon Dunbar said Hamilton was a respected leader who brought integrity to the office and worked well with Council.
Under Hamilton's direction, the town of New Ellenton established a drug enforcement program, a goal he had set out to fulfill within weeks of being appointed as the town's police chief in 2006.
A Virginia native, Hamilton had early aspirations to serve as a police officer.
He was 18 when he fist tried to join a police department, but was disappointed when he learned he couldn't carry a gun until he was 21 and would have to wait before he could join the force. He set those aspirations aside, but not away.
In 1986, he moved to Aiken County where he worked briefly as an electrician and then ran his own computer business.
In 2002, Hamilton applied to and was hired at the New Ellenton police department.
Four years later, he was appointed the police chief to fill the position left vacant by Hugh Ray.
"He had my respect," said Dunbar. "We didn't always see eye-to-eye, but I think it was a healthy relationship."
He said the officers will miss him.
Lt. William Cook agreed.
"He was a good person to work for and was always available," Cook said.
The town council will swear in Capt. Alesia Parks an interim chief until Council appoints a permanent supervisor, Dunbar said.
Parks has served as interim director in the past.
The town of New Ellenton has six full time officers and one part-time employee.
Dunbar said police reservists have said they will help as needed.
This is the first fatal crash of 2009.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.