H 4223

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