Former Kentucky State Police Trooper Todd Holder says he will accept an offer to become Franklin’s next police chief.

An official offer was made Jan. 12. Holder still needs to pass a law enforcement certification test before taking the job, perhaps in early February.

Holder retired from KSP in December. He previously worked at the Glasgow Police Department and the Western Kentucky University Police Department.

Of all the cities in this area, Franklin has the most potential and is in the best position for growth, Holder said, adding that the city council and city manager are dedicated to working toward growth in the city and Simpson County.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Holder said. “With the city poised to grow, the department is bound to grow.”

Former Chief Jamie Powell did an excellent job with the department and there’s a strong foundation to build on, Holder said.

He said he plans to emulate some of the things he’s seen at other police agencies.

“I think Bowling Green has a great program where they walk around in the communities and talk to people. We’re going to see about starting something similar in the spring,” he said. “I plan to be a proactive chief who’s out in the public eye.”

Holder said he hopes to continue to build on what Powell did to improve the department.

The city began to look for a new chief as soon Powell announced his retirement, Mayor Jim Brown said.

“We began receiving applications and had some people involved with law enforcement help us go through the applications to determine who was most qualified,” he said.

The search resulted in three candidates, one of whom withdrew. The city interviewed the other two before deciding on Holder, Brown said.

The commission was impressed by Holder’s ideology regarding law enforcement, he said.

The commissioners also are familiar with Holder, who has been a resident of Simpson County for several years and at one time patrolled for state police in the county.

Holder said KSP is a great training ground for leaders, and he hopes to take lessons he learned from state police and use those in Franklin.

“I’ll always be a trooper at heart. I love KSP for all the opportunities that it has given me,” he said.

Franklin will also work closely with the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office and state police to promote teamwork among law enforcement agencies in the area, Holder said.

Holder said he has had a chance to watch a number of great leaders in his career, including former Bowling Green Post captains Bill Peyton, Wayne Mayfield, Jeff Hancock and Jeff Mayberry and current Capt. Phil Crumpton and former BGPD Chief Bill Waltrip, along with Powell.

“I hope to be able to emulate their success,” he said. “Most of these leaders are still in the area and will be great resources to fall back on.”

Holder also said he wanted to thank his family for allowing him to pursue the Franklin position.

“I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it weren’t for my wife, Missy Jo, and my family,” he said.