South Carolina H 4223: CMSGT Robbie D. Padgett, retirement

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4223 Text of Previous Version (Mar. 25, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4223

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

to recognize and honor Captain 
Tonatte Mitchell for approaching her first year anniversary serving as captain 
of Charleston's Police Department.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of 
Representatives is pleased to congratulate Captain Tonatte Mitchell for serving 
almost a year as captain of the Charleston County Police Department; and

Whereas, Captain Mitchell made history with the Charleston Police 
Department when she became the first Black female captain almost a year ago. 
Now, she is taking the time to reflect on her historic promotion as she nears 
her one-year milestone in the role; and

Whereas, Captain Mitchell recalled the day she first received the 
promotion, saying the moment was just overwhelming for her and for the goals 
she wanted to reach. Her intention was to be a sergeant, she was shocked to 
hear she was being promoted to captain; and

Whereas, she continues to follow in the footsteps of family before 
her, as her grandfather, Harold (Harry) Smith, was one of the first Black 
officers hired by the Charleston Police Department. As a young girl, watching 
him patrol the area gave her the passion to pursue a career in law enforcement later 
in her life. Mitchell said she reflects on the legacy she carries each and 
every day. She was the third Black woman to be promoted to lieutenant and the 
first Black woman to achieve the rank of captain in the history of the 
department; and

Whereas, on March 8, 2025, International Women's Day, the City of 
Charleston honored Captain Mitchell, a proud Burke High School alumni and a Charleston 
trailblazer who has dedicated twenty-nine years to protecting and serving the 
City of Charleston. She has built a legacy of leadership, service, and 
community impact in the city where she was raised; and

Whereas, from patrol to crises negotiation, recruitment to community 
policing, Captain Mitchell has done it all, paving the way for future 
generations of women in law enforcement. Her hard work, passion for serving the 
community, and commitment to the department is a testament to the advice she 
gives to those who look up to her. She feels the promotion to captain has 
taught her two things; to be humble and there is still work to be done. Captain 
Mitchell's mantra has always been "anything is possible, as long as you work 
hard and stick to your goals."; and

Whereas, growing up, Mitchell did not have a place to go where she 
could feel safe and have someone help her with homework. Hence, she is giving 
her all to the neighborhoods that raised her, opening new community centers 
across the Holy City. She says her greatest accomplishments so far in the 
department are being a part of the openings of two community centers. Mitchell feels 
these centers offer children a safe place to go and do homework, play games, 
and interact with law enforcement. She is advocating that officers do more 
outreach in the community they work in, and she is working toward bridging the 
gap between the community and policing; and

Whereas, though Captain Mitchell has this honor of making history, 
she wants people to know that she also serves as a friend and a mentor that you 
can go to when you need advice; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives 
greatly appreciate Captain Mitchell's outstanding leadership and the positive 
changes she has made in her community. 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 Captain Tonatte Mitchell for approaching her 
first-year anniversary serving as captain of Charleston's Police Department.

Be it further resolved that a copy 
of this resolution be presented to Captain Tonatte Mitchell.

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This web page was last updated on March 25, 2025 at 01:59 PM