The town of Lilesville held a get-together for citizens to come out and meet the new police chief on Sunday, March 27. Police Chief Bobby Gallimore has "officially been on the job" since January but was sworn in at the start of Sunday's meet-and-greet with the community.

Originally from Mount Airy, Gallimore comes to Lilesville from Surry County. With 10 years of law enforcement experience, this is his first police chief position.

He said he'd actually applied for the police chief position in Polkton, but when that job was given to former Lilesville chief Kevin Mullis, Gallimore took over his position in Lilesville.

"I love it so far," Gallimore said. "It's really nice. It's a unique small town. It's like a hometown atmosphere."

Gallimore is a single dad to three kids-- twin boys Fletcher and Forrest, 4, and daughter, Ellie, 9.

"The whole town is really excited to have him," Town Clerk Lynn Whitlock said. "He has a great personality and we think he'll do a great job."

Whitlock said Gallimore is already working with the Anson County Sheriff's Office--he was sworn in as a deputy last week--and with the Wadesboro Police Department. He's been working with fellow Lilesville police officer Matt Norris, as well.

"We have an animal control ordinance that needs to be enforced," she added. "He's been on top of that for us."

Gallimore said better enforcement of the animal control ordinance is at the top of his list. "Right now, we need to address the animal issue within the town limits," he said. "We need to remind people that there is a leash law and we need to enforce it."

Scrap metal theft is also increasingly becoming a problem in Lilesville, he added.

"We're so glad to have him," said Lilesville Councilman Steve Whitlock. "He's a very approachable person and I think he'll be a great person to work with."

Councilwoman Juanita Williams agreed. "I think he's going to get along very well with the people of our community," she said. "We are delighted to have Bobby as our chief of police."

Williams' hopes for Gallimore are that he'll "keep the town crime-free."

"I'm thankful for the opportunity," Gallimore said. "I'll do the best I can for the people of Lilesville."

Gallimore can reached at (704) 848-4711 or at bgallimore@townoflilesville.org.