Police Chief Luther Reynolds: City of Charleston Police

June 26, 2018: The new City of Charleston Police, Chief Luther Reynolds, spoke at our Rotary Club this past Tuesday. He was announced March 9, 2018 as the new chief and was sworn in April 16, 2018. Club member Peter Shahid described him as a sincere leader with a servant’s heart. He comes to Charleston from Montgomery Co. Maryland where he had served since 1988. In that position he was involved with over 1,300 law enforcement officers in the department. He has held positions ranging from a patrol officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Assistant Chief.

Chief Reynolds started by giving some background on the previous community he served. Montgomery County has 1.1M residents, covers 500 sq. miles and represents constituents with over 150 languages. It is a diverse and wide-ranging mix of faiths, races, ages, and capacities.

He stated that he has a MS in Business from Johns Hopkins and a degree in Criminology from FSU. He also has training from the FBI/Major Cities Police Leadership.

Reynolds

Chief Reynolds described his childhood and that his path in life could have been very different. His mother died when he was 13 and he was lucky to have 2 brothers. His father was not around. He always had someone there for him – Coach, teachers, pastors, etc. He stressed that what he learned from his mentors is that leaders have to have empathy. As a District Station Manager, responsible for troops, community, etc., he had to earn respect. He believes that leaders needs to get to know the community, churches, leaders, etc. He knows things will come up that will be challenges and at some point the “new chief honeymoon will end”. He and his family are excited to be in Charleston.

Since coming to Charleston he has made several observations. The recent anniversary of Mother Emanuel tragedy was marked by a Unity Rally focusing on bringing people together. That is the legacy of the 9 innocent community members killed that Charleston has chosen to embrace. Charleston is leading by our actions and working together. Similarly, the Sofa Super Store fire, Walter Scott killing, and other significant events have resulted in dialogue, not anger. Other communities in this country have reacted differently. There are race inequalities around the country and in our community, but Charleston and surrounding areas have approached it differently. Here’s what he sees:
The Good: People are our greatest asset. Men/women of Charleston Police are great.
– Because of difficult events the City has experienced, there is some good that has come out of it. He needs to lead with the ability to lead under difficult circumstances and with empathy.
– Charleston has a regional collaboration unlike other areas.

Our Challenges: Traffic, storms, etc. – these issues have forced the Charleston Police Department to talk collaboratively.
– Crime – guns, repeat offenders.
– Gap between haves and have nots, grad rates, etc.
o How can we bridge these gaps?
– Homicides – at Gadson Green just last week there was a homicide but 10 officers were on scene while it happened. So it’s not that they aren’t in the community. How can they do better?
– Facilities, funding are an issue for the department. They are completing a new master plan.
– Homelessness in Charleston is an issue that needs to be reviewed and solutions need to be developed.
– 3 colleges present issues of their own that impact the police. The City officers work closely with the law enforcement at each institution.
– Hiring, attrition are an issue for the department.
– Terrorism at the port and other events like Spoleto.
– Schools/active shooter issues.

Chief Reynolds discussed the 3 important items:
1. Hiring the best/most creative people.
2. Training – need to invest in training.
3. Culture of accountability.

His biggest personal challenge is being available. He believes that at the personal level he must lead by example and with humility. He strives to get out from behind his desk but also needs to find a balance between work and faith and family. He constantly looks at the long term.

He closed his talk by taking questions from members. One member asked about challenge of policing King Street on Friday/Saturday nights. He said it is a challenge because it is a tight space with alcohol, homelessness, narrow streets, etc. but he is proud at how the officers have worked this area of the City. Another member asked if he was considering restarting the mounted police. He said that he has heard many folks elude to a need to bring it back or that the City never should have gotten rid of it. However funding issues make it a difficult choice. He stated perhaps it could come back in a reduced fashion. The mounted patrol was so popular and well received and he would consider it, but funding challenges need to be resolved. He stated it is too early for him to make decisions like that. Lastly, he was asked about school safety – what is his position on SRO’s. He reminded us that most of his troops have kids in schools and safety is important to everyone. He is working with CCSDs Michael Reidenbach and they have good communication. With a total of 47 schools if they were to put an officer in every elementary school they would have to cut other areas of policing and it doesn’t make sense. He is concerned about what it takes to keep kids safe but we need a meaningful response.
Steve Coe, Keyway Committee

IN OTHER MEETING NEWS

• Kim Rich gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
• Robert Sullivan introduced our Visiting Rotarians and guests.
• President David Burt presented Health and Happiness.
• City Councilman and Rotarian Peter Shahid introduced our speaker Chief Luther Reynolds, City of Charleston Police.

MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
July 3, 2018 | Issue 4895 | President: David Burt

COMING EVENTS

• July 3 – No meeting Happy 4th of July!
• July 10 – Presidential/Board Transition
• July 17 – Stuart Williams, In Place Impact / CofC Entrepreneurship
• July 24 – Noah Leask, Ishpi, Cyber Security

NEWS BRIEFS

New Meeting Venue

Faber

A decision has been made on our new meeting location! After carefully considering all feedback on visited venues, weighing all pros and cons, and also looking at a couple of other options, the Board has determined that 5 Faber is the best fit for our membership. We will start meeting there on a permanent basis in August. During July, we will meet at Riley Park on July 10 and July 24 and at 5 Faber on July 17 and July 31. We are excited about our new meeting location and hope you will support us in this venue change.

Rotary District Alzheimer’s Gala

Rotary District Alzheimer’s Gala to raise money for Alzheimer’s research is scheduled for Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a black tie optional event and designed to provide you with a great experience, as well as an opportunity to contribute to the funding of research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s.

MEMBER NEWS

Rotary International Convention

Welcome back President-Elect Alex Dallis and his wife, Robin! They just returned from their trip to Toronto, Canada where they attended the Rotary International Convention. The convention is an incredible opportunity that all of our Presidents get to experience. They meet fellow Rotarians from around the world, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. We look forward to hearing about their experiences in Toronto!

Congratulations

Congratulations to David Krumwiede, who is getting married on July 13th. We wish him and his new bride all the best!

Condolences

Our most heartfelt condolences to Cheryl Kaynard on the recent passing of her mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cheryl and her family.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Galizia

Rotarian: Nick Galizia
• Joined: 2018
• Sponsor: Sandy Morckel
• Membership Involvement: New Red Badge Member
• Classification: Architecture/General
• Profession: Associate, McMillan, Pazdan, Smith Architecture
• Something Unique About Yourself: I enjoy all things related to design and the built environment.

I am only the fourth generation in my family to live in the US – my family came to the US via Elis Island in 1903 from Italy.

I am usually very open to trying new things. I love the outdoors, which has led to lots of diverse hobbies, like rock climbing, surfing, snorkeling, shooting trap and skeet, fishing, fencing and playing soccer and golf among others. I enjoy sketching; I lived in Barcelona (even though I spoke German) and have traveled to nearly 20 cities in 5 countries. One of my travel highlights was getting to surf in San Sebastian, Spain.

Birthdays

• July 3 – Bo Crouch
• July 5 – Foster Gaillard
• July 10 – GP Diminich
• July 13 – Heidi Finniff & Jonathan Campaigne
• July 14 – Bill Nettles
• July 15 – Chad Woodell

By the numbers

Attendance on June 26, 2018: 72

Not in attendance: Allen, Baggs, Berlin, Brack, Brady, Bullard, Carico, Channell, Christian, Coghill, Cole, Cook, Cooper, E., Cooper, M., Dallis, Davies, Deavenport, Diminich, Dopp, Drafts, Dukes, Dymek, Fink, Geffert, Gill, Giovanniello, Hart, Hudnall, Husser, Jones, Kaynard, Kerrigan, Krumwiede, LaMotte, Lee, Leonard, Livingston, Matheny, McGhee, Mitchell, Moring, Palmer, Prewitt, Riley, Rust, Saboe, Schmidt, Seguer, Sidebottom, Smith, M., Sottak, Stokes, Strickland, Taylor, E., Tecklenburg, J., Tecklenburg, J., Teller, Thomas, Uram, Van Bergen, Willey, Youngs

Out of Town Make-ups: None

WELLNESS TIP

Alcohol: Go Lite

Summer’s a great time to skip drinks with hard alcohol and choose a light, chilled alcoholic beverage (unless you are pregnant or should not drink for health or other reasons).

A sangria (table wine diluted with juice), a cold beer, or a wine spritzer are all refreshing but light. In moderation — defined as one to two drinks daily — alcohol can protect against hear

AREA CLUB MEETINGS

Mondays

  • Summerville – Oakbrook: 7:30 a.m., Monday, Westcott County Club, 5000 Wescott Club Drive, North Charleston
  • North Charleston: 12:30 a.m., Monday, Hilton Garden Inn, 5265 International Blvd, North Charleston.
  • Summerville Evening: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Montreux Bar and Grill, 127 W. Richardson Ave., Summerville

Tuesdays

  • East Cooper Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Cooper River Room at Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
  • Charleston: 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, The Riley Park Club, Charleston
  • Goose Creek: 12:45  m. Tuesday, Gilligan’s, 219 St. James Ave., Goose Creek

Wednesdays

  • Daniel Island: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Daniel Island Club, 600 Island Park Dr., Daniel Island
  • St. John’s Parish (John’s Island): 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, 2817 Maybank Highway, Unit 1, John’s Island
  • Mount Pleasant: 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Harbor Breeze Restaurant, 176 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant
  • Summerville: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sticky Fingers, Summerville

Thursdays

  • North Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Embassy Suites, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston
  • Moncks Corner: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Gilligan’s Restaurant, Moncks Corner
  • St. Andrews (West Ashley): 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Bessinger’s BBQ, 1602 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Fridays

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Our Rotary club actively uses social media — and we encourage you to interact with us through social media.

ABOUT THE KEYWAY 

The Keyway has been published weekly as a newsletter for the Rotary Club of Charleston for more than 90 years.

  • President: David Burt
  • Keyway editor: Don Baus [email protected]
  • Executive secretary: Carroll Schweers, [email protected]
  • Mailing address: Rotary Club of Charleston, P.O. Box 21029 ,Charleston, SC 29413-1029
  • Copyright 2018, Rotary Club of Charleston. All rights reserved.