Cayce Police Department Experiences Leadership Shake-Up as Chief Resigns After Few Months on the Job

Cayce Police Department Sees Sudden Leadership Change

The city of Cayce has found itself in the spotlight once again, but this time for an unexpected shake-up at the top of its police department. Just a few months into his new role, Chief Herbert Blake has resigned, leaving many residents and officials with questions about what went wrong. The news broke early Friday morning, with the city announcing that it had accepted Blake’s resignation, effective immediately.

A Quick Exit

Blake’s departure surprised many, considering he was only appointed the chief of police in September. Upon resigning, the former chief expressed gratitude in a brief three-sentence letter. “Thank you very much for the opportunity you afforded me,” Blake wrote. However, specifics surrounding his resignation weren’t disclosed, causing a wave of speculation among the community and beyond.

Interim city manager Jim Crosland stepped forward to reassure citizens, stating, “We have a senior command staff and a fully capable police force that will continue to serve our city and to keep our citizens safe.” He also emphasized the city’s commitment to swiftly finding a new leader for the Cayce Police Department.

Career Background of Chief Blake

Before taking the helm in Cayce, Blake held a prominent position as the chief deputy at the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office in Asheville, North Carolina. This South Carolinian began his law enforcement journey in his home state, starting at the Ridgeland Police Department. He then spent seven years leading the Loris Police Department in Horry County and was the chief for 13 years at the Hendersonville Police Department in North Carolina.

Blake was recruited to replace Chief Chris Cowan, who left in July to join a program at the University of South Carolina focused on supporting law enforcement agencies through professional development. This leadership transition marked another chapter in the Cayce Police Department’s history.

Unresolved Questions

While many details of Blake’s resignation remain a mystery—like his compensation package—it’s interesting to note that during his tenure in Buncombe County, he received nearly $30,000 in salary raises. When he departed, he was reportedly making just under $143,000 a year.

At the time of his resignation, Blake was in the process of being recertified as a South Carolina law enforcement officer. His certification had lapsed after he left the Loris Police Department in 2008. This aspect raises further questions about his readiness for the role in Cayce

What’s Next for Cayce?

Cayce is a modest-sized city of approximately 14,000 residents, located just west of Columbia, across the scenic Congaree River. The city’s public safety department saw significant restructuring in January 2022 when it split into separate police and fire departments. This division was part of a broader initiative to enhance community safety and effectiveness in emergency responses.

Now, with Blake’s sudden exit, the city has announced plans to resume its search for a new chief. Crosland assured citizens that the police force remains strong and capable during this transition.

For the residents of Cayce, this is undoubtedly a moment of reflection on the changes taking place within their police department. As the city works to find the right individual to lead, the community hopes for stability and commitment to safety in their beloved city.