North Charleston Welcomes New Police Chief Ron Camacho
NORTH CHARLESTON — A wave of optimism filled the air on December 9, 2024, as Ron Camacho was officially sworn in as the city’s 11th police chief. In a ceremony held in the packed Council Chambers, Camacho took the reins amid an enthusiastic crowd that expressed their support for his new role. “This is the pinnacle of my career,” he said, with a grin as wide as the Lowcountry skies.
A Warm Welcome
Camacho hails from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where he served as police chief before making the move south. Dressing in a crisp uniform, he was met with applause and cheers from his fellow officers, city council members, and local citizens, all eager to embrace the newest member of the North Charleston leadership team. “I was not expecting this outpouring of support,” Camacho stated humbly, soaking in the warm atmosphere. “But it’s heartwarming to see how welcoming folks are here in the South.”
New Beginnings After Leadership Changes
The transition comes about eight months after former Chief Greg Gomes retired after a brief tenure. Gomes, who previously served for over three decades in the department, helped usher in a new chapter when Reggie Burgess became the city’s mayor. With his hands-on policing approach, Burgess chose Camacho to lead the way in fostering trusted relationships with the community and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Community Engagement at Heart
As a strong advocate for community engagement, Camacho is setting his sights on doing things differently. “I plan on being a ‘boots-on-the-ground’ chief,” he remarked enthusiastically. His upcoming month will be filled with a thorough exploration of the department and community relationships. In a refreshing twist, he plans to ride alongside patrol officers on Christmas Day, connecting with the department and the community in a meaningful way during the holiday season.
Building Bridges
Previously, Camacho organized a Citizen Advisory Committee that focused on improving relationships between the police and neighborhood leaders, particularly with minority communities. He emphasized the importance of these relationships: “When the community and the police work together, we can do our jobs much more effectively.”
Continued Efforts in Racial Justice
North Charleston has been closely examining its law enforcement practices since the tragic events surrounding the fatal shooting of Walter Scott in 2015. Following that incident, concerns about racial disparities prompted a 2021 racial-bias audit, highlighting areas needing repair. The department has pledged to honor Scott’s legacy through community dialogue, involving his family in the process, which assures wider perspectives within the department.
Strong Leadership Team
During the ceremony, Mayor Burgess shared details about the search process that followed Gomes’ retirement. Out of a pool of 34 candidates, they found a solid team comprising both existing deputy chiefs. He surprised Angela Johnson and Karen Cordray, promoting them to associate chiefs, while veteran officer Rick Keys ascended to the role of deputy chief.
A Touch of Humor
The ceremony wasn’t without a touch of humor either! As Camacho prepared to take his oath, he joked about forgetting his reading glasses, which led to a lighthearted exchange as others offered him theirs. The laughter that followed lightened the mood and showcased the camaraderie within the department.
The Road Ahead
Camacho’s open-door policy is already being embraced, as community members eagerly lined up after the ceremony to introduce themselves. Charleston’s police chief, Chito Walker, who took his own position just over a year ago, offered words of wisdom: “Lean on your team and community for support.” Camacho couldn’t agree more, convening the day’s events as a fantastic start to his journey with the North Charleston Police Department.
Final Thoughts
With a new police chief ready to build bridges and foster relationships, the future of North Charleston’s police department looks bright. As the winds pick up today, bringing in thunderstorms and scattered rain—perhaps a reflection of change on the horizon—Camacho’s heartfelt commitment to the community promises sunnier skies ahead.
