Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds Has Leg Amputated in Fight Against Aggressive and Rare Form of Cancer

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds (right) today provided updates on the latter’s battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Chief Reynolds said that he “underwent a radical surgery” that led to his doctors amputating one of his legs. He also said the cancer was successfully removed and his prognosis for the future is “very positive.”

Mayor Tecklenburg sent the following letter to City Council containing a message from Chief Luther Reynolds regarding his condition:

“Dear Councilmembers,

Today I received the message below from Chief Reynolds, who asked me to pass it along to each of you. In it, you will find further details about his difficult but successful course of treatment at the Mayo Clinic, and about his gratitude to our whole city for the prayers and support he’s received throughout this challenging time.

Like you, over these past four years, I’ve come to respect and admire Luther as a police professional, and to love him as a friend. He is, quite simply, one of the finest men I’ve ever had the honor to know. And I truly believe that the remarkable courage and deep personal faith he’s shown in the face of this challenge will be an inspiration to our city for years to come.

I know that I speak for all of us in saying that we’re fortunate to have an extraordinary individual like Luther Reynolds leading our police department, and that we look forward to his return to Charleston, and to duty as our city’s chief of police.

Message from Chief Reynolds

“I want you to know how much I appreciate your unwavering support and prayers throughout my battle with cancer. I am also very grateful for the outpouring of kindness from community members, the faith community and all those who have stood with me and my family during this challenging time.

As you know, I was diagnosed with a very serious and rare form of cancer. I was treated by some of the world’s best surgeons at the MAYO clinic in Minnesota. However, I underwent a radical surgery and, in order to remove the cancer, the doctors had to amputate one of my legs. I am pleased to report that the cancer was successfully removed and my prognosis for the future is very positive.

Earlier this week, I began rehabilitation and look forward to returning to Charleston very soon. I am blessed to have your support and the backing of the men and women of the Charleston Police Department.  All of your prayers have sustained me through this most difficult period and I am forever grateful.

I give praise to God for curing me of the cancer and I am excited to continue to serve as your Chief of Police. I am committed to serving the Charleston community and look forward to the opportunities ahead. I will keep you updated on my progress and look forward to seeing you soon.”

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