EUTAWVILLE – After serving the community as a law enforcement officer for nearly four decades, Eutawville’s police chief is stepping down.

Chief Russell L. Parker, a 36-year law enforcement veteran, first served as a patrolman with the Holly Hill Police Department before being named as chief of police in Eutawville in 1977.

Parker announced his resignation, effective immediately, during Monday night’s Eutawville Town Council meeting, citing health concerns.

“My doctors have informed me that some of the daily duties of a police officer may not be a safe situation for me to continue to be in. Therefore, I must retire,” he told the council. “This is not a decision I made lightly, but after careful consideration, I have decided it to be the best for the town and for myself.”

His voice choking with emotion, Parker added, “It’s been an honor to serve the citizens of Eutawville.”

A new police chief has not yet been hired, but people who know Parker say it’ll be hard to replace a man like him.

Mayor Bob Collins said he was retiring Parker’s badge, and instead of accepting it back from the retiring chief, the mayor insisted Parker keep it as a memento of the town’s appreciation for his years of dedicated service.

And, in a letter read during the meeting, former Barney Atkinson, former state constable, wrote of Parker, “I have been privileged to witness [for 36 years] both the integrity and sincerity with which he has dealt with both civic and personal matters relative to his position, and I wish to congratulate him on and for a job well done and let him know how very much I appreciate how he has given so selflessly of his time and efforts for so many years.”

“Although it is with sadness and trepidation that I view his retirement from active duty and involvement in law enforcement,” Atkinson continued, “it is comforting to know that our community will continue to have a resident that has such a high degree of experience and character that they can continue to draw from for many years to come.”

Parker followed in the footsteps of his father, also a police officer, when he decided to join the police force.

“I had a great example,” Parker said. “My daddy told me, ‘Son, always treat people the way you want to be treated,’ and that’s a rule I’ve worked hard to follow in all my years here. Although not every day was easy, I’ve tried to serve Eutawville’s citizens to the best of my ability.”

He said he knew about a week after being hired in Eutawville that it was where he wanted to stay.

“I love the people in this town,” Parker said. “I think they’re some of the best people in South Carolina.”

He said he’s witnessed so many things over the years that “I could write a book.”

He said his favorite and most enduring memories are not of bank robberies, crimes solved or being shot at, but the little things.

“I remember one lady who was cooking a pot of meat and beans, and she called me because somebody ran in, grabbed the meat and ran off. We called that case, ‘Where’s the meat?’” he said, laughing. “Then, there’s the lady who called me scared to death and wanted me to come take care of a spider for her.”

Now, though, Parker plans to enjoy some of the things a busy cop never seems to have time for – like catching crappie instead of criminals.

“I can’t tell you how many friends have asked me to spend time fishing with them here over the years. First thing I do once I get my leg straightened out, I’m going to take them up on it,” he said.

Parker will also be spending time with his wife of 43 years, Estelle; his five children and seven grandchildren and his church family at Sandridge Baptist Church on Highway 176. He invites friends and well-wishers to give him a call at 803-492-7530.

T&D Correspondent Diane Gainer can be reached by e-mail at bcdthinktank@yahoo.com. Discuss this and other stories at TheTandD.com.

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