Summerton Police force loses 4 officers within weeks of each other

SUMMERTON - The day after its Feb. 11 monthly meeting, the Town of Summerton announced in a release that "three (3) of our Police Officers have tendered their resignations" and in the next sentence the town notified the public that Summerton's Police Chief Donell Dixon "will be retiring effective April 18, 2025.

"We appreciate each of our officers' service to our community and we wish them, along with Chief Dixon, good success in the next phases of their careers," the release stated.

The document also shared that "the safety and protection of the Town of Summerton is a priority of Town Council."

Once the release was issued, Summerton residents immediately began questioning whether they were still protected.

"The Town of Summerton's Police Department is still operational," a second release stated. "There is no need to panic."

The second release issued on Feb. 12 stated that the three officers were leaving on Feb. 11, Feb. 25 and Feb. 28. The second release also assured residents that Clarendon County Sheriff's Department "will continue to assist us as they've always done before."

On Feb. 15, Summerton Administrator Mary Adger said that the announcement of the resignations was made at one time; however, the effective date of each officer's resignation was different.

"All of them aren't leaving on the same day," Adger added. "This wasn't something that was planned by the officers. They are all leaving on good terms."

Adger said that with four of the department's officers leaving so close together, it will be a strain on the department, but Clarendon County Sheriff's Office has agreed to step in and help.

"We're launching a recruitment campaign immediately," Adger added. "Sheriff (Tim) Baxley said his department would help out just like they've always done even when our department was at full capacity."

Adger said that town residents shouldn't panic about the loss of the officers.

"This happens in small departments," she said. "Many officers leave for a larger salary."