A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JAMES SMOAK, FORMER CHIEF OF THE CITY OF BAMBERG POLICE DEPARTMENT, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RECENT RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-SIX YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives has learned that James Smoak, former chief of the City of Bamberg Police Department, retired on April 3, 2024, after completing twenty-six years of distinguished police service, the last five as chief; and

Whereas, born in Kittery, Maine, James moved with his mom and Bamberg native dad back to South Carolina in 1963, and the family settled in Cordova. In 1982, he began an eight-year enlistment with the U.S. Air Force, where he served in several posts, including as a security police officer in the 45th Missile Security Squadron with the Minuteman Nuclear Weapons System (1982-1989). During his military years, he also served a three-month assignment in Saudi Arabia and later cross-trained into telephone and data before returning home to South Carolina. Other posts include self-employment in a family business, as well as work for H.T. Hackney and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) Board (1996-1998); and

Whereas, over the course of his career, James Smoak donned a number of hats in various fields and positions. However, it was in March 1998 that he embarked on a journey that would become a defining chapter in his life: working for the Bamberg Police Department. Having a special needs son, he truly had enjoyed working with the DDSN board but felt he needed to answer his calling in law enforcement and so applied to join the Bamberg Police Department; and

Whereas, having been hired by then Chief George Morris in March 1998, James Smoak began serving with the Bamberg Police Department and rose through the ranks until 2017, when he was promoted to assistant chief of police, followed by appointment as interim chief of police in 2018. He was sworn in officially as chief of police in 2019 and served in that position until his retirement on April 3, 2024; and

Whereas, James finds strength for his labors in the firm support of his family: his lovely wife of forty years, Sandy; and his children, Savannah, Taylor, and Zachary; and

Whereas, not one to stay unoccupied for long, James Smoak's plans for retirement begin with a month off and then the commencement of a new position with the Barnwell Sheriff's Department, where he will work with federal inmate transports. However, the House trusts that he also will find himself more frequently able to indulge in fishing, hunting, golf, grandbabies, and sports, especially those featuring his Carolina Gamecocks (Go, Cocks!); and

Whereas, grateful for the legacy of commitment and excellence Chief Smoak leaves to the citizens of this great State, most particularly those of Bamberg, the House is pleased to extend best wishes to the chief as he transitions to a richly deserved retirement and the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution,  recognize and honor James Smoak, former chief of the City of Bamberg Police Department, upon the occasion of his recent retirement after twenty-six years of outstanding service and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to former Bamberg Police Chief James Smoak.

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