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Until Tuesday, Buddy Williams had held every rank in the Live Oak Police Department but one. Now the long trek from patrolman to police chief is over. The city council unanimously approved Williams’ appointment as Live Oak’s top cop at its monthly meeting at City Hall. He was sworn in Wednesday.

“I’m excited about it,” Williams said. “I’ve got the support of my agency and I’m ready to expand on what we’ve already begun.”

Among other initiatives, Williams has set out to reintroduce community policing to Live Oak. Officers are out of their cars and back on the street, walking a beat and getting better acquainted with the neighborhoods they patrol.

“He deserves it,” said Councilman John Hale of Williams’ appointment. “He’s worked his way up through the ranks. He knows all different aspects of law enforcement and he’s an all-around good choice for this community.” Hale is chairman of the council’s law enforcement committee.

Williams beat out four other candidates for the job. The law enforcement committee settled on him unanimously and found it unnecessary to interview other applicants.

Williams began his law enforcement career in 1987 as a patrolman for the LOPD. He has also worked as an agricultural inspector and as a deputy sheriff in Columbia County.

After Nolan McLeod resigned as police chief in December, then Capt. Williams was appointed interim chief.

Robert Bridges can be reached by calling 386-362-1734 ext. 134 or by e-mail at robert.bridges@gaflnews.com