Reggie Burgess, chief of the North Charleston Police Department for the last five years, announced his retirement from the department Thursday afternoon, effective May 1.
He has been rumored as a possible mayoral candidate and has hinted about that possibility.
Burgess, a North Charleston native, served as a police officer in the city for 34 years before taking over as chief in 2018. He succeeded Chief Eddie Driggers, who became a special assistant to North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey.
“I have walked the streets of this amazing and dynamic city to make myself available to all, to build bonds and to show that all great things can be accomplished through when we work together,” Burgess said in a statement today.
Earlier this month, Summey announced he would not seek reelection to office. Burgess has long been thought to have his eye on a bid for the mayor’s seat. While no official campaign announcement has been made, Burgess hinted in his retirement announcement that his future plans would allow him to continue serving North Charleston.
“While I am thankful for every day that I have served our community, Mayor Summey has shown me that there are often other important ways to serve, and I have given that great thought,” he said in a statement. “As my time as chief comes to an end, I know that this position will not be my final destination.”
Burgess added that details of how he hopes to work “on behalf of the people of North Charleston” are coming soon.
Previous City Paper coverage: Summey won’t seek reelection for North Charleston mayor
The coming mayoral election is anticipated to be crowded, with several community leaders and locally based politicians having long been considering a bid. In addition to Burgess, expected candidates are Charleston County Council member and former chair Teddie Pryor, former North Charleston City Attorney Brady Hair.
“This will be one of the most important mayoral races in the city’s history,” said S.C. Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, a North Charleston Democrat. “North Charleston just celebrated 50 years last year, and the next mayor will essentially be tasked with laying the vision for what the next 50 years is going to look like.
“It’s going to be important for that mayor to have leadership ability, for them to be someone the people can look to to step up and lead on day one,” he added.
Burgess has led the North Charleston Police Department to chip away at public skepticism and shift policing strategies in the wake of the shooting of Walter Scott at the hands of a North Charleston office. A racial bias audit was completed in 2021, revealing disparities in many police interactions with the community.
In an article published by The New York Times last week, Burgess said part of the change is getting the police to see the humanity in the community and imagine what it must feel like for a community member to be mistreated.
This is a developing story. Follow Charleston City Paper for updates.
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