A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF CHARLESTON POLICE CHIEF LUTHER REYNOLDS, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds on May 22, 2023, at the age of 56; and

Whereas, born in 1966 as the youngest of three brothers, Luther Reynolds lost his mother to cancer when he was 13. The grieving teenaged boy began getting into trouble but later found faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, a relationship that became the fulcrum of his life; and

Whereas, having graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in criminology, he spent nearly thirty years serving in law enforcement in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he met his wife and raised his children, both of whom the couple adopted in Russia. The young Luther, who joined the Montgomery County Police Department in 1988 as a patrol officer, climbed the ranks to assistant police chief. He moved to Charleston in 2018 to become that city's chief of police; and

Whereas, Chief Reynolds led South Carolina's largest municipal police force for five years, even after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. Family and faith strengthened him as he faced a cancer diagnosis and extensive surgery. He previously had been active in his free time, playing rugby and football, running several marathons, and completing a fifty-mile ultramarathon, all with passion and perseverance. After his surgery, Chief Reynolds applied that same grit to physical therapy in learning to walk again; and

Whereas, as a man of faith, he hosted a men's Bible study every Monday evening at his home on Daniel Island. The members of the group called themselves the "James Gang" after a book they had read on the Epistle of James; and

Whereas, though Luther Reynolds faced tough critics, his genial, earnest manner struck many as genuine. He often spoke about harsh police actions of yesterday and the need for reform. He also praised his troops; and

Whereas, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg called Chief Reynolds "a modern man of ancient virtues," including faith, honor, courage, and duty. Mayor Tecklenburg added these words of praise: "Charleston has lost not just a great police chief, but one of the finest human beings that many of us will ever know. He loved this city and the brave men and women who keep it safe. He loved God, and in faithful service he loved his neighbor"; and

Whereas, Luther Reynolds leaves to cherish his memory his dear wife, Caroline; his two children, Grace and Luke; and a host of other family members and friends. This respected Charleston leader will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and working with him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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