Columbia, SC (WLTX) -In a little over a week, the City of Columbia will begin its search for a new police chief. This after Randy Scott announced his resignation in an emotional press conference Monday.
Scott said Monday, "the secret has been trying to find waldo for the past three weeks," and revealed that he is suffering from PTSD after the loss of one of his fellow officers eight years ago.
"There were things that I didn't realize that bothered me and not until recently I realized what that was," said Randy Scott.
In a resignation letter, Scott says for the past two and a half years he has given his heart to the City of Columbia. He went on to say, "What I didn't realize was that I was neglecting my family and health."
According to Scott he says being police chief has brought out severe stress related issues.
"After going through counseling I realized that's what it was. Because you shouldn't hire someone and then look down in a car and see that person deceased," said Scott.
That person was Deputy Keith Cannon and Scott says his death has loomed over his head since Cannon's death in 2005.
"That was something that I could not let go and that affected me personally and continuously."
Scott says he requested to speak about his situation publicly to show people that law enforcement officials can be affected by what happens at work.
"Every time you see a person in public safety, don't discredit them, don't take it for granted, because they are literally sacrificing their families but more importantly when sometimes they don't realize it, they are sacrificing themselves."
Scott hopes to one day return to law enforcement and he says once he comes back he will discuss more about his struggle with PTSD. Until then, Ruben Santiago has been named interim Police Chief.
The search for a new chief will begin May first and city leaders hope to have a new chief within the next two months.
