North Charleston, SC- On Monday, June 1, 2020, the Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department (CCAAPD) will recognize the 30th anniversary of their department during a ceremony at the police department (5550 Porsche Blvd). The event, which begins at 1:00 p.m., will recognize where the department came from and where it’s going.
Paul Campbell, airport director and CEO said, “It’s important to look back and recognize how we’ve grown as a department.” The CCAAPD was founded in 1990, the department had a police chief and 10 officers. Over the years the department has grown to 63 employees to include 34-sworn police officers, 14 -emergency communications specialists, 3 –records specialists, and 12-curbside attendants. The police department has had four chiefs and recently welcomed new chief Chris Helms, who was sworn in November 2019.
Elliott Summey, incoming airport director and CEO said, “I am proud of the work that the men and women of this department have done over the years ensuring the safety of our passengers, airport tenants and stakeholders, and the community.” Looking ahead, my vision is to further advance the department with the latest technology, training, and strengthening our working relationship with local law enforcement, state, and federal agencies.”
The CCAAPD has general law enforcement authority and responsibility within Charleston County. All sworn personnel are South Carolina State Certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officers, empowered to enforce South Carolina laws and the ordinances of the Charleston County Aviation Authority within the geographical boundaries of the airport district, principally Charleston International Airport, Charleston Executive Airport (JZI) on Johns Island, and Mount Pleasant Regional Airport (LRO).
In addition, the agency works closely with the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, and all other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in support of our mission and goal of protecting and serving the community and customers that use our airports, providing a safe and secure environment and keeping customer service as a top priority.
-CHS-