By Suzie Ziegler
CHARLESTON, S.C. — It’s not easy being Chief of Police. But there’s one chief in particular who has unique challenges ahead.
Luther Reynolds, the police chief in Charleston, South Carolina, returned to work Monday after lifesaving surgery and amputation, reported Live 5 News. Reynolds was diagnosed with cancer in October. The treatment would cost him one of his legs.
Still, Reynolds is optimistic. He said the surgery successfully removed his cancer and his prognosis is positive. Reynolds thanked his officers, city leaders and the community for their support.
“It’s just been amazing how supportive people have been and how behind me that they’ve been,” he said. “It’s very unique, and I’m thankful for that.”
Reynolds says his experience with cancer has reinforced his commitment to policing and serving the community.
“I think living our lives with a purpose, with a meaning, with a passion, where we’re helping others, where we’re making a difference, where we’re able to say we left it better than how we found it; that’s kind of our core values here and the police department is service of others over self,” he told Live 5 News. “I really believe in that, and so in a really deep way, this has gotten my attention.”
[RELATED: Perspectives change when you are on the table]
https://twitter.com/katysolt/status/1498352237139144711
The experience has also made him think about new ways the police department can help citizens in need.
“I’m not unique in my suffering. I’m not the only one in this community or in our families that are suffering,” Reynolds said. “How do we help others? How do we bring healing? How do we bring unity? At a time when there’s a lot of division, how do we create more unity and togetherness?”
Reynolds has resumed some of his duties, but it will take time before he returns to full-time status, according to the report. That hasn’t stopped Reynolds from looking to the future.
“We have a lot of work to do and I’m excited to be part of that,” he said.