S.C. Governor honors retired Fort Mill police chief who served for decades
Retired Fort Mill police chief Jeff Helms said he felt a little weird getting an individual award.
He was standing onstage with S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster at the amphitheater at Walter Y. Elisha Park. Dozens of state and local dignitaries, law enforcement and community members gathered to see him receive the highest civilian honor in South Carolina — the Order of the Palmetto.
As Helms and his wife, Melissa, walked to the podium to shake McMaster’s hand, the governor quipped “That’s what South Carolina looks like.”
Helms said he felt humbled.
“I feel weird getting an individual award when I had so many good police officers and other employees that work for us and a great council for 27 years,” Helms said. “It just really was a joy and privilege to do this.”
Helms retired as chief in 2021. He spent almost four decades in law enforcement and spent 27 years as police chief in Fort Mill, more than any other chief in the town’s history. Bryan Zachary replaced Helms as chief.
At the ceremony Thursday, McMaster detailed Helms’ accomplishments in law enforcement, including his influence with the York County multijurisdictional drug enforcement unit and expansion of the department from 16 to 71 employees. Helms also served with the Tega Cay Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office.
Helms started as Fort Mill chief of police in 1994 at the age of 31.
“You must have started as a baby,” McMaster said jokingly.
McMaster said the Order of the Palmetto is not a recognition a person can simply apply for. The recipient has to be nominated.
He said the award goes to those who have given service above and beyond the call of duty, who had an impact on more than just a regional or statewide basis.
“His leadership transcends this place, this beautiful place that has a statewide impact because of the men who are willing to do what he has done and do it in the way that he has done it,” McMaster said. “That’s what makes South Carolina strong, and that’s why this is the best place on earth to live, work and raise a family.”
Helms said he is extremely thankful for the recognition.
“I just want to let everyone know here how humbled and honored I am,” Helms said. “I’ve always just been lucky to be the chief of my hometown.”
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 11:31 AM.
