SSU names new chief of police after nationwide search

Savannah State University has appointed Torrance Garvin as its new chief of police after a nationwide search; he brings more than 30 years of experience with the Savannah Police Department and will succeed Interim Chief Sydney Thomas starting Wednesday.

Savannah State University announced the appointment of a new chief of police after a months-long nationwide search. The university selected Torrance Garvin, a Savannah native and Benedictine graduate, to lead its campus police department. Garvin brings over 30 years of experience with the Savannah Police Department. He will succeed Interim Chief Sydney Thomas, who has served in the interim role since December 2025. Key details: - The university conducted a national search for the position. - Torrance Garvin was chosen and is a Savannah native and Benedictine graduate. - Garvin has more than 30 years of local public safety experience with the Savannah Police Department. - He will take over from Interim Chief Sydney Thomas, who began serving in December 2025. - The announcement noted Garvin’s stated goals of transparency, trust and proactive engagement on campus. Summary: Garvin’s appointment places an experienced local public safety professional in charge of campus policing, and the university will transition leadership when he begins as chief on Wednesday. Further details about department plans and timing beyond his start were not included in the announcement.