By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner will not run for re-election and will retire when his term ends after 28 years on Jan. 5, 2027.
In a letter sent to Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office personnel on Thursday afternoon, March 12, confirmed to The Island News by two different sources, Tanner expresses his “deepest gratitude” to them for their “commitment to public service, and your unwavering support that has made my tenure as your Sheriff a remarkable and rewarding experience. Serving Beaufort County as the elected Sheriff for 28 years, as of January 5, 2027, has been my honor and privilege.”
“Working alongside such a dedicated, talented group of individuals as the Sheriff’s Office has been the highlight of my 46 years as a law enforcement officer in South Carolina,” Tanner wrote. “The challenges we have conquered, and the accomplishments and victories we have celebrated together have truly been both personally and professionally rewarding and memorable. I will always be grateful to every one of you for your unwavering dedication to serving this Office and the citizens of Beaufort County.
“I want to leave you with a feeling and a sense of pride in this Office and yourself with the knowledge that we should never forget where we came from, and how we overcame sizable obstacles in getting to where we are today! Most importantly, never forget that we provide an extremely important public safety service to the citizens, visitors and residents of Beaufort County who expect, and who we have always delivered, nothing less than our very best!
“In closing, I have chosen January 5, 2027, as my retirement date, and will not be seeking re-election to the Office of Sheriff of Beaufort County. I am confident that this office will continue to thrive, and I am hopeful that you will provide the incoming Sheriff with the same dedication to purpose that you have shown me.”
This story will be updated.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.