Kip Coker
Photo Provided
At the February meeting, Kingstree Town Council announced that Kippton W. Coker would be the new Town Manager, replacing recently retired Richard Treme.
Kip retired as Kingstree Chief of Police on February 4. After 25 years in law enforcement he was ready to focus on his professional growth and to explore other professional areas, including a possible future in politics. Town Manager seemed a good next step.
When Coker was hired as chief of police in May of 2021, the department had five employees. “My first goal was to build it up to be fully staffed. It wasn’t just me, it was a team effort. We had to build the foundation back up and get the community to trust us again,” he says.
Coker was raised on the outskirts of Lake City in Barrineau. His father was a business owner and ran multiple convenience stores over the years. Sheriff’s deputies were always coming into the store. It inspired Coker to become a policeman.
Previously Coker was with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Department, Lake City Fire Department, and he was with Florence County for a short stint before coming to Kingstree.
In his free time, Coker enjoys golf, Clemson football, and spending time with his wife and three kids, ages 15-28. He is a member of Kingstree Lions Club and Woodman Life.
He plans to hit the ground running when he steps into his new role. “My first goal will be to continue the progress Mr. Treme and City Council have made. I want to grow on that vision. Growth is coming and we have to be prepared for it,” he says.
Coker will also have to immediately hire a new Chief of Police and Main Street Director, a job recently vacated by Katie Wheeler. His first day on the job will be March 5.
