After nearly 35 years of honorable, distinguished, and dedicated service to the Town of Latta and Dillon County as a law enforcement officer, Malcolm Gerald has retired.
Gerald, a 1971 graduate of Latta High School who earned his associate’s degree in criminal justice from Florence-Darlington Technical College, has a long history of public service. He served during the Vietnam Conflict from 1971 to 1974 in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne.
On February 25, 1980, Gerald joined the Latta Police Department. “I decided to become a Latta Police Officer because I am dedicated to my family, my town, and my country,” said Gerald. “I enjoy trying to help others and being a part of our community. I am blessed to have been placed in this career. This is the job I have always wanted and have never before thought about leaving.”
During his career, he has held all ranks in the Latta Police Department. He served as chief of the Latta Police Department for eight years from March 11, 1988 through 1996. He said becoming chief was one of the proudest moments of his career. “One of the proudest moments of my career is when I became Police Chief of Latta,” said Gerald. “This is the town I grew up in; the town I graduated high school; the town I raised my children. Our community and the people who make up our community mean more to me than they will ever know. I am so proud to be a part of this community and call so many of you my friend.”
Gerald left the Latta Police Department on May 9, 1996 and went to the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, where he served the county from May 10, 1996 through June 20, 1999.
On June 21, 1999, Gerald returned to the Latta Police Department as a sergeant. he served on the Latta Police Department until May 6, 2014, which was officially his last day.
During his time with the Latta Police Department, Gerald served under Chief Emory Edwards, Chief Ed Ammons, Chief Lundy Brigman, Chief Mark Cashio, Chief Bobby Powers, Chief Crystal Moore, and Interim Chief Derrick Cartwright and under Mayor Lonnie Shelley, Mayor T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr., Mayor Allan Brigman, Mayor Lenneau Berry, Interim Mayor Alex Stoops, Mayor Nancy Brigman, and Mayor Earl Bullard. While at the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, he served under Sheriff Harold Grice. Gerald did not miss a day of work between the two departments.
When asked about the most memorable moments from his career, Gerald said there are many. “There are many great memories that come to mind, and I could not give it justice to name only one,” said Gerald. “I do know it is extremely memorable to be a part of bringing a newborn into this world and heartwrenching to tell someone a loved one is no longer with us,” he said.
Gerald served his last shift, a night shift, with the Latta Police Department on Sunday, May 4th. When Gerald signed off of his final shift, the Latta Police Department honored him by giving him a police escort, complete with blue lights and siren, to his home.
A drop-in for Gerald was held on May 6th hosted by the Latta Police Department. A slideshow with photos of Gerald, his partners in the department, and his family was played. Many people turned out to see him and wish him well.
The Latta Police Department also held a dinner for Gerald on May 13th at the Latta Community Center. Gerald was presented a plaque in recognition of his 35 years of dedicated law enforcement service. He was also presented his duty weapon as a gift from the Town of Latta as well as gifts from department members and others. As a special surprise to Gerald and his family, Gerald’s son, who was unable to attend the dinner in person, was brought in on a video call. The slideshow played at the drop-in was played at the dinner. The dinner was prepared by volunteers including Chief Bobby Powers, Judge Janette Dupree, Tammy Taylor, Mary Ruffner-Darcy, and Sgt. Bobby Jones.
“I am proud of my wife and family for sticking with me for the 35 years I was in law enforcement,” said Gerald. “I thank the Town of Latta and Dillon County for letting me protect and serve them. I have had the honor of working with the most dedicated men and women. Thank you all for being part of my life.”
