Royston Police Chief Donnie Boleman Announces Retirement

After 15 years as Royston Police Chief, Chief Donnie Boleman is retiring.

Royston City Manager Lanier Dunn tells WLHR News, Chief Boleman submitted his resignation Tuesday afternoon.

Boleman, who has worked for the City of Royston for 20 years, said he made the decision after the recent death of his 6wk old grandson.

After speaking at his grandson’s funeral on August 1, Boleman said he realized he needed to make a change. He said he has taken an outside sales job which will allow him to have more family time.

Boleman began his career in law enforcement in 2000 with the Hartwell Police Department and then began working for the City of Royston in 2002.

Boleman was hired as the Royston Police Chief in 2009.

In addition to his work as Police Chief, he also founded the Rainbow Pantry food bank in 2017 with his wife where he serves as an advisory board member to ensure the resources and volunteers have what they need to provide help for the community.

The Rainbow Pantry now has 13 volunteers and serves an average of 7000 people per year from our pantry resources.

“We will certainly miss him,” said Royston Mayor Keith Turman. “He has been an integral part of the running of Royston for many years, not only as its Police Chief. He has worn many hats, filling in in areas when needed and always doing a great job. Donnie will be missed but we wish him the very best.”

Boleman said though he’s leaving law enforcement he will continue to serve the community he loves.

Donnie Boleman’s last day is Friday, August 30.

Dunn said he’s already met with Boleman to work out the details of a job description and he hopes to begin advertising for a new Police Chief next week.