Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds today shared the following open letter with the citizens of Charleston announcing his plans to end cancer treatments and enter hospice care:
“My Fellow Charlestonians,
After speaking with my doctors and praying for God’s guidance and grace, Caroline and I have decided that the time has come for me to end my cancer treatments and enter hospice care.
Such decisions are never easy, of course — not for our family, and not for all the other families in our community who have to face them every day. It is our hope that by sharing this news publicly, we can also share with these other families some small measure of the love and support we’ve received over the past two years. We want them to know that in these difficult moments, they are not alone, and that our larger Charleston family prays for them as well.
In closing, I’d like to thank you, our citizens, for giving me the opportunity to serve as your police chief. Five years ago, you welcomed me and my family into this remarkable city, and with your support, we have built an even better, even stronger police department. I cannot tell you how proud I am of the men and women of CPD, and how honored I am to have led them.
Now, as I set out on the final journey that God has planned for me, I'm thankful that I will be able to spend these days in the city I've come to love, surrounded by family and friends. It is the last great gift in a life that's been full of them.
Thank you, and God bless.
Luther Reynolds”
Chief Reynolds shared his diagnosis with the community in November of 2021. In February of 2022, Chief Reynolds announced that doctors amputated one of his legs as part of his treatment.
