Gaffney police chief retires

JOHN O'DONALD "...I just felt it's time to move on." Gaffney Police Chief John O'Donald Jr. gathered all of the available staff inside the city police department Thursday morning to announce he would be stepping down at the end of the year.

It was a bittersweet moment for the veteran law enforcement officer. He still loves his job, the community, and the people with whom he works. But at the same moment, he said later Thursday, "I just felt it's time to move on."

A law enforcement officer for 28 years, O'Donald became police chief in 1995. His last day of work will be Dec. 24.

O'Donald's replacement, whoever that might be, will assume command of a police force that has grown to include 39 sworn officers, four administrative workers and 23 reserve officers. While Gaffney has had many fine officers in its history, O'Donald didn't hesitate in his belief that the current crop of police officers and investigators is among the finest.

"I'm confident leaving at this point, knowing the city is in good hands with the staff that's here," he said. "I'm hoping whoever comes in here (as chief) can see that when they walk in the door."

O'Donald conceded his announcement Thursday had been in the works for some time. Since his retirement still is a few months away, he can't yet say how much he'll miss the job but was sure the feeling would sink in soon after his last day. "Probably on the 26th (of December)," he said with a smile. "It's in your blood," he said of being a police officer.

O'Donald has had a long career of service to his community and his country.

He served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972, in the Army National Guard from 1972 to 1974, and again in the United States Army from 1974 to 1978.

In 1978 he began his police career in Blacksburg, serving as a patrol officer under former Chief Gid Whisnant.

He would subsequently work with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, serving under the administrations of former sheriffs Ernest Harrington and Joe Wallace and present sheriff Bill Blanton.

During his time in the sheriff's office, he began as a deputy and ended as an administrative captain. He became a narcotics detective in 1984 and was narcotics captain from 1989 to 1991.

In his 13 years as Gaffney's police chief, O'Donald said he was lucky to have a large amount of community support, a dedicated staff and supportive city leaders.

"Sometimes they (the council) went above board (in their support of the police department) when budgets were tight," he said. "It really helps when you know you can turn to them and talk to them. They always listened. They may not have always agreed, but they always listened."

Though he's retiring as police chief, O'Donald, 57, has no plans for a rocking chair. He said he plans to continue working, possibly in the private sector, but couldn't say exactly what he'd be doing.

Announcing his retirement now gives Gaffney officials plenty of time to find a replacement. At this point, O'Donald said he hasn't been asked for assistance in finding a new chief but said he'd be more than happy to assist in the process in any way.

Of all the thing's he'll miss, O'Donald said his daily interactions with the public, his staff, and other police agencies will be at the top of the list. And in stepping down, he said, "I feel like I've left (the city) in better shape than I found it. At least I hope I did."