For over 150 years, the Sumter Police Department has been serving the citizens of Sumter, South Carolina on the solid foundation of public trust and safety. Sumter PD officers serve a 40,000-strong town and are committed to treating all in our vibrant community fairly and with respect. We are a CALEA accredited agency and maintain their gold standard of serving and protecting our communities.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
"Let's remember why we serve. Let's remember how we serve," Police Chief Russell Roark said as we paid tribute Friday to the department's fallen officers.
WILLIAM ALVAH CLYDE was shot and killed in 1908 while working to apprehend an escaped inmate. Little was known about Clyde until 2013 when his story was discovered by an employee while researching the department's history.
CHARLES "CHUCK" NESBITT died in an on-duty collision in 2011. His impact as an officer, mentor and friend remains a part of the Sumter Police Department family. His widow, Joyce (pictured bottom right), joined us for this morning's tribute.
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A good man a good hardworking officer
He was a good man for sure!
RIP to my cousin Chuck!!! 🥺🥺
That’s nice to honor a forgotten hero. And it makes me smile on the inside to know that you have employees who search through old records. 1908 is so long ago.
R,I.P. Chuck
Christina Arthur Parker 💛🌻
🙏🙏
EVENT DRIVER ALERT: This year's Iris Festival at Swan Lake Iris Gardens starts at 6 p.m. TODAY with Taste of the Gardens.
Officers will begin traffic control and security measures by 5:30 p.m. today.
Throughout the four-day festival, drivers along Liberty and adjacent streets near the festival are urged to reduce speeds, stay alert for pedestrians and other drivers, and follow the guidance of officers.
Shuttles from the Sumter County Civic Center to the festival grounds will be available beginning at 10 a.m. Friday. The shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
FRIDAY -- Traffic control and security measures will begin by 10 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.
SATURDAY -- Officers will begin road closures at 9 a.m. for the Iris Festival Parade, which starts at 10 a.m. and is expected to end at 11 a.m. Festival parking and activities will follow.
SUNDAY -- Traffic control and security measures will begin by noon for the last day of festival activities. Normal traffic flow in the area is expected to resume by 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Schedules, parking and other information can be found at www.irisfestival.org and on FSumter Iris Festivaltival.
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
I have a store on Liberty Street across from Pizza Hut, will that be closed off for the parade Saturday? Sumter Police Department
Scott Mumper
Thank you
@followers @highlight @highlight
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH!
Keisha White, program director Roads of Independence, joined members of the Sumter Police Department on Tuesday as they planted green pinwheels in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.
The Roads of Independence (ROI) is a division of the Santee Wateree Community Mental Health Center that works with young adults, ages 16-25, in Sumter, Lee, Clarendon and Kershaw counties.
Not only can young adults come to ROI for mental health services, the program can assist them with a number of tasks that could make the transition into adulthood seem a tad bit easier. Those tasks are often related to life skills, employment, education, housing, medical insurance and applying for needed services.
To learn more, contact Roads of Independence at 803-934-4395.
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UPDATE (8:40 a.m. May 14,2025): Mr. Armstrong was located this morning. He is safe.
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MISSING: Officers are working to find Robert Hughes Armstrong, 49.
Armstrong, a delivery worker from Indian Trail, N.C., was reported missing today and was last seen Saturday at a Broad Street motel.
Described as 6 feet tall and about 220 lbs., he has brown hair, blue-
gray eyes and was wearing blue jeans, a shirt and no shoes.
If you see him or know where he is, please call the Sumter Police Department at 803-436-2700. Always dial 911 in an emergency.
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UPDATE (8:40 a.m. May 14,2025): Mr. Armstrong was located this morning. He is safe.
Or like Melissa said my.vernon or the rural he may be OD
Nope not American inn I'm guessing the downtowner
I feel like it’s always “a broad street motel”
We can probably deduce what he delivers.
With the Sumter Police Department posting this it makes me think maybe Mt.Vernon because it's in the city.
We need to stop saying "a broad street business" or "A broad street hotel" and start shutting down these places that breed crime.
If he’s from Indiana Trail , N.C. What is he doing down here at a hotel? Does he have family Down here in Sumter?
Please pray for this man! He needs Jesus
I pray he's found safe.
What hotel ?
Delivery worker from where
What comment.?
Can the family post their concerns for him?
What hotel
Last seen wearing jeans a shirt and no shoes and he's a missing delivery driver?? Probably the American Inn, Sharolyn Motel, or possibly Mt. Vernon Inn? Not much on the description of clothing and why bare footed? Was last seen Saturday so why would the company he is employed with wait until Tuesday (3 days later) to report him missing. Was he on the job when he went missing? What motel and what time was he last seen? Was he driving a company vehicle or his personal vehicle? What make. model, year and color, tag #? Was the motel a customer of the company he was for? So many unanswered questions. Something smells 🐟🐟🐟
Well broad street hotel says it all if it’s the one downtown which it likely is as they are tearing it down. If one if the privately owned thriving ones would not be in here
Can you add details on what he did? A delivery person could be parts for cars, demo, or an uber eats guy. Hire a real reporter who can leave the office and write a story
Scary
Reposted.
Sumter city ought to do their damn job. I could tell ya stories if ya want to listen
Being a Police Officer in a CALEA Accredited Department means you belong to an agency that is committed to following best practice standards developed by federal, state, and local law enforcement executives through comprehensive research. This is one of the most successful methods for reaching administrative and operational goals, while also providing direction to personnel.
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations:
SPECIFICALLY, CALEA’S GOALS ARE TO:
