Sumter, South Carolina (June 1, 2011) – The City of Sumter announced today that longtime Chief of Police Patty Patterson will be retiring as head of the Sumter Police Department effective Sept. 1, 2011 and transitioning to the City’s Public Safety and Welfare Director.
Patterson has served as Chief of Police for 10 years, totaling 20 years of service with the department. In 1991, she joined the Sumter Police Department as Major of Operations, second in command under then-Chief Harold B. Johnson. In 2001, she was appointed as the City’s first female Chief of Police and the first African American to serve in the position in the City of Sumter’s history.
“I am humbled to have the distinct opportunity to have served with such consummate professional peacekeepers,” Patterson said. “The men and women in blue of the Sumter Police Department team are indeed among the finest in all of law enforcement, and it has been a privilege and an honor to serve with them. I have been richly blessed to have spent so much of my career here. I am so proud of the SPD and their commitment to service above self.”
City Manager Deron McCormick praised Patterson for her contributions to the department. “Chief Patterson has made a significant impact in the City of Sumter Police Department and the City of Sumter,” he said. “We have been fortunate to have someone in the position with such a high standard of integrity. Under her leadership, the department has been able to consistently ensure public safety for city residents.”
McCormick said the skills Patterson has honed in her tenure with the police department will give her the tools to oversee the city’s emergency plans and other duties that will require her to work with all the city departments for the benefit of general public safety.
“I believe that my diverse law enforcement experience has afforded me the opportunity to serve the City of Sumter through an effective and efficient management of emergency disaster preparedness and in promoting public safety, health, and welfare response and recovery,” Patterson said.
Deputy Chief Russell Roark will become Patterson’s successor and Major Alvin Holston will be appointed deputy chief effective Sept. 1, 2011.
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