Local NewsUpcomingHappening 11 August 2026

Myrtle Beach Hosts Public Forum with Police Chief Finalists Aug. 11

Myrtle Beach residents are invited to meet the four finalists for police chief during a public event on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Why this matters locally

Selection of the top law enforcement official directly affects public safety policies, community policing, and municipal leadership across Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand area.

Members of the Myrtle Beach community will have an opportunity to meet the four finalists candidate search for the city's next police chief during a public session on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. The drop-in gathering offers residents, business owners, and local stakeholders a direct chance to learn about the leadership candidates before a final hiring decision is made.

The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. According to city officials, the four finalists will be stationed in distinct areas throughout the room. This format allows attendees to circulate, ask questions directly, and evaluate each candidate's professional background and administrative vision.

The four finalists visiting the Grand Strand during the week of Aug. 10 represent law enforcement leadership from across the country:

• Nicholas Augustine, Assistant Chief of Police in Montgomery County, Maryland

• Scott Booth, Chief of Police in Roanoke, Virginia

• Frederick Chambers, Deputy Chief of Police in Fairfax County, Virginia

• Phillip Rathbun, Deputy Chief of Police in Aurora, Colorado

City Manager Jonathan "Fox" Simons Jr. noted that the caliber of the applicant pool reflects the strong reputation of the department and the city. While in Myrtle Beach for this final evaluation phase, the candidates will undergo formal interviews, meet with police personnel and municipal staff, and take guided tours of the community.

Following the public meet-and-greet, attendees will be able to share their impressions with city leadership. A QR code provided at the convention center will link to an official feedback survey where residents can submit input on their preferred candidates.

Quick facts

  • Event: Meet the Candidates Police Chief Forum
  • Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center
  • Public Input: Online survey via QR code provided at venue

Community brief · prepared from WMBF News — Grand Strand material · original source

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