Columbia police chief receives law enforcement award.

• Position: Brief article

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook has been named the recipient of the 2018 Strom Thurmond award for excellence in law enforcement. The award is presented by the U.S. Attorney's Office District of South Carolina law enforcement coordinating committee, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers' Association and the Storm Thurmond Foundation.

The late Sen. Thurmond established the award in 1983. An annual award is given to a city, county, state and federal officer.

Holbrook was nominated by his peers for his leadership and achievements, according to a news release.

"Chief Holbrook's commitment to the community is extraordinary and has made a tremendous impact in improving the communications between our police force and the community," Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson said in the release. "(Holbrook) is the standard bearer of honor and civility."

Since being sworn in as chief in April 2014, Holbrook has implemented several reforms which have been recognized by the U.S Department of Justice, including:

The Columbia Police...