Surfside Beach police chief announces resignation in wake of investigation of department
Update: This story has been updated to include a statement from the town administrator.
The longtime chief of the Surfside Beach Police Department will be leaving the department next month.
Chief Kenneth Hofmann, who has served as the town’s chief since 2017, submitted his resignation letter Tuesday afternoon, according to Mayor Rob Krouse.
Hofmann’s resignation comes about a week after the council voted to investigate a perceived retention issue within the police department.
The Sun News published a story online Tuesday morning about the investigation that included an interview with a former SBPD officer, who admonished the department and chief for issues including poor training and a toxic work environment.
Hofmann had told The Sun News prior to publication of that story that he looked forward to the investigation because it would allow him to resolve any ongoing rumors and potentially address the “real factors” impacting turnover, which is an issue at police departments nationwide, including salary and benefits.
His letter, addressed to the town’s citizens, he points to “the malicious acts of a few” creating rumors used to attack him, and certain town officials mishandling those rumors to “tarnish” his professional reputation.
In a statement sent to media outlets Wednesday, town administrator Gerry Vincent did not address any of those concerns Hofmann outlined in his letter. Instead, he just thanked the outgoing chief for his years of service.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Chief Hofmann,” he wrote. “I appreciate his professionalism, work ethic, contributions, and dedication to making Surfside Beach a safer community.”
Hofmann’s final day on the job will be May 3, 2024.
This story was originally published April 2, 2024 at 5:05 PM.
