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1971 - 2011 (40 years)| Name | Charles Richard “Chuck” NESBITT [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] | |
| Prefix | Cpl. | |
| Suffix | Jr. | |
| Birth | 1971 | |
| Gender | Male | |
| HIST | CHARLES R. NESBITT Jr. Posted: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 10:15 am | Updated: 10:17 am, Tue Jan 25, 2011. Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Richard Nesbitt Jr., 39, beloved husband of Joyce Wells Nesbitt, died on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at KershawHealth in Camden. Mr. Nesbitt was a son of Charles Sr. and Carol Nesbitt. After graduating from Furman High School in 1990, Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Nesbitt Jr. began serving the citizens of Sumter County with the S.C. Highway and Public Transport until April 1996 when he became a correctional officer at the Sumter County Detention Center. Chuck was employed there until fulfilling his lifelong desire of becoming a police officer. It was on April 26, 2001, that his dream became reality when he was hired by the Sumter City Police Department. After graduating from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, he was assigned to the patrol division and was currently assigned to the warrants division. Cpl. Nesbitt moved through the ranks within the agency to achieve the rank of corporal. Cpl. Nesbitt was instrumental in the professional development of newly hired officers within the Sumter Police Department by serving as a field training officer and mentor. It is by this devotion to these new officers that his legacy will live on forever. Cpl. Nesbitt's determination to make a difference in the community serves as an example of professionalism and dedication for all law enforcement officers through his devoted commitment to service above self. Surviving are one brother, Christopher S. Nesbitt and his wife, Susan; sister-in-law, Crystal Guess; two nieces, Candler and Elizabeth; and one nephew, Caiden, all of Sumter. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Alice Drive Baptist Church with the Rev. Donnie Collins officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Allen Coker, Dale Coker, Ron Dodson, Rodney McFadden, Ricky Richards and Allen Thurmond. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Bullock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crosswell Home for Children, 11 Crosswell Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. You may sign the family's guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements. City officer dies after wreck Posted: Saturday, January 22, 2011 6:00 am | Updated: 8:09 am, Sun Jan 23, 2011. By JOE PERRY jperry@theitem.com A 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department died Friday afternoon about an hour after he and another officer on duty were involved in a motor vehicle wreck on U.S. 521 North near the county line. Cpl. Charles Richard Nesbitt Jr., 39, died about 4 p.m. at KershawHealth, the hospital in Camden, according to a police department press release issued Friday night. Nesbitt and Master Patrolman James Vernon Cox were driving in a patrol car southbound on U.S. 521 north of Rembert when the wreck occurred near Mt. Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road. According to the SC Highway Patrol, two vehicles were involved in the accident. The 2008 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Nesbitt and a 2007 Kia Sorento headed north struck head on. The driver of the Kia, Michael Grunder of Camden, was taken to Tuomey Regional Medical Center. His condition was not available. Both Nesbitt and Cox were transported to KershawHealth. After the wreck, which occurred about 3 p.m., law enforcement closed down U.S. 521 North. Nesbitt was a uniformed officer who worked in the warrants division of the Sumter Police Department. Cox was treated for injuries suffered in the wreck -- reports over the radio indicated he suffered an injury to his wrist. The S.C. Highway Patrol's MAIT, or Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team, is investigating the wreck. "The family requests their privacy during this time of bereavement," the release states. "On behalf of the Sumter City Police Department, we ask for your prayers during this somber time." Reach Joe Perry at (803) 774-1272. More about Wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Autopsy: Officer died from injuries ▪ ARTICLE: 'He loved his community' ▪ ARTICLE: Sumter police officer dies after wreck Posted in News, Local news on Saturday, January 22, 2011 'He loved his community' Printt half mast Saturday in front of the Law Enforcement Center on East Hampton Avenue following the death of a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department. Posted: Sunday, January 23, 2011 6:00 am | Updated: 1:42 pm, Mon Jan 24, 2011. BY JOE PERRY jperry@theitem.com A thin strip of black cloth across a police officer's badge. Flags at half mast. Two symbols that the city of Sumter has lost a police officer. About 4 p.m. on Friday, Cpl. Charles R. "Chuck" Nesbitt Jr., 39, died at KershawHealth in Camden following a head-on collision about an hour earlier just north of Rembert. According to S.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. R.K. Hughes, Nesbitt was driving a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria southbound on U.S. 521 North with Master Patrolman James V. Cox as a passenger. Traveling northbound was Michael Grunder, 43, of Camden, in a 2007 Kia Sorento. The two vehicles struck head-on beside Mt. Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road. Both officers were transported to Camden's hospital by Sumter County Emergency Medical Services while Grunder was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released. Nesbitt died about an hour after the wreck. The wreck remains under investigation. "A good officer, a good troop and he'll be sorely missed," said Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson on Saturday. "He was dedicated to what he did - he was there if you needed him; he was going to be there. He loved his job and loved his community." Deputy Chief Russell Roark characterized Nesbitt as "a fine officer." "He had a great reputation within the police department. He was a diligent worker," Roark said. Law enforcement officers - about 114 within the city's force - work holidays and long hours and forge close bonds, Roark said, and become tight-knit over the course of several years. Nesbitt wore the Sumter Police Department uniform for a decade. "It's unlike any vocation," Roark said. "It's very family-oriented, and you get to know spouses and children and family members. You develop a bond." Cox is "still shaken up," Roark said, explaining that "physically he's doing good." Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock, who performed the autopsy on Sunday, said Nesbitt died from trauma sustained in the crash. Bullock Funeral Home is handling arrangements and funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Alice Drive Baptist Church with visitation slated for 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. More about Wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Autopsy: Officer died from injuries ▪ ARTICLE: City officer dies after wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Sumter police officer dies after wreck Posted in News, Local news on Sunday, January 23, 2011 Autopsy: Officer died from injuries Related Stories Related: Messages from the public to Cpl. Charles Nesbitt Jr. Posted: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 6:00 am | Updated: 2:20 pm, Tue Jan 25, 2011. BY COREY DAVIS cdavis@theitem.com Autopsy results show a Sumter police officer involved in a two-vehicle wreck Friday died from injuries suffered in the crash, said Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock. Cpl. Charles Nesbitt Jr., a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department, died about 4 p.m. Friday after he and another officer on duty were involved in a motor vehicle wreck on U.S. 521 North near the county line. Nesbitt was 39 years old. The S.C. Highway Patrol's MAIT, or Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team, continues to investigate the wreck. "The family continues to request their privacy during this time of bereavement," a press release from the Sumter Police Department states. "On behalf of the Sumter City Police Department, we continue ask for your prayers during this somber time." Nesbitt and Master Patrolman James Vernon Cox were on duty as they were driving in a patrol car southbound on U.S. 521 north of Rembert when the wreck occurred about 3 p.m. Friday near Mt. Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road. According to S.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. R.K. Hughes, Nesbitt was driving a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria southbound on U.S. 521 North with Master Patrolman James V. Cox as a passenger. Michael Grunder, 43, of Camden, in a 2007 Kia Sorento, was traveling northbound. The two vehicles struck head-on. Sumter County Emergency Services transported both officers to a Camden hospital, where Cox was treated and later released. Grunder was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released. Nesbitt was a uniformed officer who worked in the warrants division of the Sumter Police Department. "He was dedicated to what he did - he was there if you needed him; he was going to be there. He loved his job and loved his community," Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said Saturday. Visitation is slated for 5 to 8 p.m. today at Bullock Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Alice Drive Baptist Church. More about Wreck ▪ ARTICLE: 'He loved his community' ▪ ARTICLE: City officer dies after wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Sumter police officer dies after wreck Posted in News, Local news on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Officer blacked out before wreck Posted: Friday, February 4, 2011 6:00 am | Updated: 1:56 pm, Fri Feb 4, 2011. BY JOE PERRY jperry@theitem.com A 39-year-old Sumter police officer who died as a result of a head-on wreck apparently blacked out and lost control of his 2008 Crown Victoria moments before it collided with a 2007 Kia, according to a S.C. Highway Patrol report released Thursday. Cpl. Charles R. "Chuck" Nesbitt Jr., a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department, blacked out because of a pre-existing medical condition and crossed the center line of U.S. 521 North about 3 p.m. on Jan. 21. Nesbitt and Master Patrolman James Cox, 43, had transported a prisoner to Columbia and were returning to Sumter when the wreck occurred. The Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation report shows that Nesbitt was traveling north on U.S. 521 when he crossed the center line and entered the path of a southbound 2007 Kia sport utility vehicle driven by Michael Grundner, 43, of Cassatt. Grundner tried to swerve out of the way to his right and both cars collided near the right edge of his lane, the MAIT report shows. The patrol cruiser, which sustained heavy damage to the left front portion, ended up on the opposite side of the road while Grundner's Kia came to a stop near the point of impact. Sumter police Maj. Alvin Holston confirmed Thursday the Sumter Police Department was made aware of the findings of the report. "The only thing we would say: It's an unfortunate incident - accident - involving the vehicle accident," he said. The wreck occurred just north of Rembert beside Mt. Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road. Cox and Nesbitt were both taken to KershawHealth in Camden while Grundner was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center. A man who answered the phone at Grundner's home Thursday said Grundner is "coming along" but would not comment on the MAIT report or give his name. The man said Grundner is being represented by Robert Reeves, a Fort Mill attorney. "I don't know what will come of it, but we'll wait and see," Reeves said late Thursday afternoon. Chief Patty Patterson has said Nesbitt was a dedicated officer who will be sorely missed. Nesbitt loved his job and his community, she said. "He was dedicated to what he did - he was there if you needed him; he was going to be there. He loved his job and loved his community." Reach Joe Perry at (803) 774-1272. More about Wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Fallen officer laid to rest ▪ ARTICLE: Autopsy: Officer died from injuries ▪ ARTICLE: 'He loved his community' ▪ ARTICLE: City officer dies after wreck Posted in News, Local news on Friday, February 4, 2011 Kershaw man targets city in wreck lawsuit By JOE PERRY jperry@theitem.com The city of Sumter is the target of a lawsuit involving a Kershaw County man who claims permanent injuries and loss of income as a result of his car being hit in a head-on collision in January that resulted in the death of a Sumter police officer. Michael Grundner, 43, of Cassatt was injured in the incident. He claims continued physical and financial harm since the wreck. He is seeking a jury trial, claiming the city showed negligence and willful recklessness by failing to disregard clear evidence that Cpl. Charles R. "Chuck" Nesbitt was not physically fit for duty and that he was not given regular physical fitness tests or exams. The lawsuit, which seeks actual and punitive damages, also claims Nesbitt didn't abide by traffic laws. The city in its response said the incident was unavoidable, thereby releasing it from liability. "While operating his automobile in a careful and prudent manner, through no fault of his own, he was placed in an unexpected emergency, and because of the unexpected emergency ...he was required to act only as appeared to him best under the circumstances. ..." Attorney A. Johnston Cox said in a May 11 response. His firm, Columbia-based law firm Ellis, Lawhorne and Sims, is representing the city. According to a S.C. Highway Patrol report released in early February, Nesbitt, 39, blacked out because of a pre-existing medical condition and lost control of his 2008 Ford Crown Victoria shortly after 3 p.m. Jan. 21. Nesbitt's northbound patrol car crossed the center line of U.S. 521 North next to Mount Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road and veered into the path of a southbound 2007 Kia sport utility vehicle driven by Grundner, the Highway Patrol's Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation report said. Nesbitt and his passenger, Master Patrolman James Cox, 43, had transported a prisoner to Columbia and were returning to Sumter when the wreck occurred, authorities said at the time. Cox and Nesbitt were both taken to KershawHealth in Camden while Grundner was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Nesbitt, a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department, died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock. City Manager Deron McCormick said Thursday afternoon the lawsuit has been turned over to the city's insurance company but couldn't comment further. Efforts to reach Grundner were unsuccessful. His attorney, Robert Reeves of Fort Mill, said he couldn't comment "since we have pending litigation." According to the lawsuit, Grundner suffered "considerable pain, discomfort and mental anguish," with injuries to his knees, left foot, right wrist and nervous system along with "diverse expenses." "He has suffered a permanent impairment which will continue to affect him throughout the rest of his natural life," the lawsuit states in part, as well as an "impairment to his earning capacity." Cox, in the city's response refers to "an unavoidable accident." "The defendant alleges that any injury and damage sustained by the plaintiff were due to and caused by an unavoidable accident on the part of the defendant, and therefore the defendant is not liable to the plaintiff in any sum whatsoever," Cox said. After the wreck, Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said Nesbitt was dedicated to his job and would be missed. "A good officer, a good troop, and he'll be sorely missed," she said. "He was dedicated to what he did - he was there if you needed him; he was going to be there. He loved his job and loved his community." Reach Joe Perry at (803) 774-1272. Posted in Local news, News on Friday, July 22, 2011 Nesbitt being remembered at memorial for fallen officers STAFF REPORTS Cpl. Charles R. “Chuck” Nesbitt Jr., a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department who died as a result of a head-on wreck in 2011, will be remembered today at the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association Annual Law Enforcement Memorial. Officers across the state who died in the line of duty, as well as those who were still active or retired that died in 2011, will be remembered at the event, which will be held at 11 a.m. at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia. Other names that will be added to the wall of the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame are Roger Dale Rice Jr. of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and Edward Scott “Scotty” Richardson of the Aiken Department of Public Safety. “We encourage all citizens to attend this memorial as we remember those who devotedly gave their lives to guarantee safety and liberty for others,” S.C. Criminal Justice Academy Director Hubert F. Harrell said. “The sacrifice of their families is truly incredible, and I reassure you that these men and women will never be forgotten.” Posted in Local news, News on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 'He was a big Teddy bear' Friday blood drive honors fallen officer BRISTOW MARCHANT / THE SUMTER ITEM Officer 1st Class Rodney McFadden holds a photo of his former training officer, Cpl. Chuck Nesbitt. Nesbitt died in the line of duty in a 2011 car crash. Ever since, Sumter Police Department has hosted an annual blood drive in Nesbitt's honor. The fourth-annual Nesbitt blood drive will be held Friday at Sumter County Library. BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272 Chuck Nesbitt was a good friend, a dedicated police officer, and, in his lighter moments, a prankster. Sumter police officer Rodney McFadden was standing outside his patrol car with Nesbitt one day, "when he had somebody drive up beside me to distract me," McFadden said, "and he stuck a piece of gum in the keyhole in the door." "I had to stand there and think about it for a minute; then I realized he got me," he said. When McFadden joined Sumter Police Department, Cpl. Nesbitt was assigned as his field-training officer. Nesbitt already knew McFadden because his sister-in-law worked with the new recruit's sister. For two years, McFadden went to Nesbitt's home for game night, then took shots at shooting targets in his backyard. "He was an outstanding guy," he said. "He had a big heart. He was a big Teddy bear." Nesbitt died Jan. 21, 2011, when he apparently passed out during a medical episode while driving a patrol car back from transporting a prisoner and crashed on U.S. 521 near Rembert. His death had a big impact on the department. "We're all tight on family. We help each other out," McFadden said. "When you lose someone close to home, it hits you. It's sort of like you don't know how to deal with it until it happens to you." On Friday, Sumter Police Department will hold its fourth-annual blood drive in Nesbitt's memory. Nesbitt's fellow officers and members of the public are invited to donate the gift of life to someone in need. "This is a way to save lives in memory of Chuck Nesbitt and all the other officers who gave their lives," said Cpl. Joey Duggan, who is organizing the blood drive. The blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Sumter County Library, 111 N. Harvin St. Last year's blood drive generated 60 pints of blood for the South Carolina Red Cross. This year, the goal is to raise that total to 70 pints. "That's an incredible accomplishment. The average blood drive produces about 28 units," said Jamie Muldrow, Red Cross communications manager. All blood raised by the drive will go to hospitals in the 39-county Midlands Red Cross region. Now is a critical time for the Red Cross to be collecting blood because it often sees demand for blood grow during the summer months. As more people venture outside, outdoor-related injuries rise, while others put off elective surgery until they can take their summer vacations. At the same time, some of the Red Cross' regular donors aren't giving as much as they normally do. "In the South Carolina region, about 20 percent of our donors are high school and college students," Muldrow said. "When there's no school in the summer, we can't do blood drives there." If you want to participate in the blood drive, reserve a place by calling (803) 435-2721, or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code "SumterPolice." Duggan said appointments in the library may show up as full, but more spaces will be available in the bloodmobile in the library parking lot. The success of the Nesbitt blood drive is no secret to the officers involved. McFadden said officers know the importance of the annual blood drive as a way to honor their fallen comrade. "It's important we don't forget what he's done for the city and the department, and that we carry on his legacy," he said. "He earned it." Posted in Local news, News on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Police officer's widow recalls man she loved ‘Some days are fine; some days are not’ Joyce Nesbitt wipes away a tear as she talks about her late husband, Cpl. Charles Nesbitt, who was killed in the line of duty in 2011. He was hired by Sumter Police Department in 2001. KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM Posted Saturday, January 9, 2016 6:00 am BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY KONSTANTIN@THEITEM.COM Fulfilling a childhood dream, the late Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Richard Nesbitt Jr., of Sumter Police Department, loved every aspect of being a law enforcement officer, said his wife, Joyce Wells Nesbitt. Nesbitt, 39, died after a head-on collision with another vehicle on U.S. 521 north of Rembert, on Jan. 21, 2011. Nesbitt was the driver of the vehicle with retired Master Patrolman James V. Cox, as passenger. The two officers were on their way back from transporting a juvenile to a detention center in Columbia, when the wreck occurred. Nesbitt died several hours after the wreck at KershawHealth in Camden. Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, designated by the National Concerns of Police Survivors organization as a day to honor law enforcement officers for their service. It has been almost five years since the tragic day that ended her husband's life, but Joyce remembers all of the details as if it was yesterday. "Every second," she said. "I got a call from Sumter Police Department Lt. Mike Evans who told me to meet him in the parking lot of a store where I was at the time. I didn't know much right then except that he had been involved in an accident." By the time Evans and Joyce arrived at KershawHealth in Camden, Nesbitt had died from his injuries, she said. Joyce said she knew Nesbitt worked in a high-risk profession, but getting that call was not something she was prepared for. "It was not something that we ever discussed; it was knowledge," she said. "I knew that if something were to happen, though, I trusted his training, and I also trusted the officers who had worked with him." Joyce, with tears in her eyes, said time does not make it easier dealing with the death of her husband. "It depends on the day. Some days are fine; some days are not," she said. "There are several officers though, who take my calls no matter what. Anytime I'm having a bad day." Family, friends and law enforcement officers have helped her cope, Joyce said. Carolina Concerns of Police Survivors has been a support system as well, she said. The organization is composed of family members and co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The organization provides support and information to police survivors and their agencies. It also notifies families and departments of fallen officers about the State and National Police Memorial Services, which take place each year. "One of my best friends is a member of the organization who lost her husband 12 years ago," Joyce said. In 2012, Nesbitt's name was engraved into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., which honors more than 20,270 U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty throughout history. Nesbitt was the son of Charles Nesbitt Sr. and Carol Nesbitt. After graduating from Furman High School in 1990, Nesbitt began serving the residents of Sumter County with the S.C. Highway and Public Transport (now S.C. Department of Transportation). In 1996, he became a correctional officer at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. In 2001, he was hired by the Sumter Police Department and assigned to the patrol. At the time of his death, he was serving in the warrants division. He also served as a field training officer and mentor. [1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12] | |
| HIST | CHARLES R. NESBITT Jr. Posted: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 10:15 am | Updated: 10:17 am, Tue Jan 25, 2011. Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Richard Nesbitt Jr., 39, beloved husband of Joyce Wells Nesbitt, died on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at KershawHealth in Camden. Mr. Nesbitt was a son of Charles Sr. and Carol Nesbitt. After graduating from Furman High School in 1990, Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Nesbitt Jr. began serving the citizens of Sumter County with the S.C. Highway and Public Transport until April 1996 when he became a correctional officer at the Sumter County Detention Center. Chuck was employed there until fulfilling his lifelong desire of becoming a police officer. It was on April 26, 2001, that his dream became reality when he was hired by the Sumter City Police Department. After graduating from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, he was assigned to the patrol division and was currently assigned to the warrants division. Cpl. Nesbitt moved through the ranks within the agency to achieve the rank of corporal. Cpl. Nesbitt was instrumental in the professional development of newly hired officers within the Sumter Police Department by serving as a field training officer and mentor. It is by this devotion to these new officers that his legacy will live on forever. Cpl. Nesbitt's determination to make a difference in the community serves as an example of professionalism and dedication for all law enforcement officers through his devoted commitment to service above self. Surviving are one brother, Christopher S. Nesbitt and his wife, Susan; sister-in-law, Crystal Guess; two nieces, Candler and Elizabeth; and one nephew, Caiden, all of Sumter. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Alice Drive Baptist Church with the Rev. Donnie Collins officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Allen Coker, Dale Coker, Ron Dodson, Rodney McFadden, Ricky Richards and Allen Thurmond. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Bullock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crosswell Home for Children, 11 Crosswell Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. You may sign the family's guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements. City officer dies after wreck Posted: Saturday, January 22, 2011 6:00 am | Updated: 8:09 am, Sun Jan 23, 2011. By JOE PERRY jperry@theitem.com A 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department died Friday afternoon about an hour after he and another officer on duty were involved in a motor vehicle wreck on U.S. 521 North near the county line. Cpl. Charles Richard Nesbitt Jr., 39, died about 4 p.m. at KershawHealth, the hospital in Camden, according to a police department press release issued Friday night. Nesbitt and Master Patrolman James Vernon Cox were driving in a patrol car southbound on U.S. 521 north of Rembert when the wreck occurred near Mt. Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road. According to the SC Highway Patrol, two vehicles were involved in the accident. The 2008 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Nesbitt and a 2007 Kia Sorento headed north struck head on. The driver of the Kia, Michael Grunder of Camden, was taken to Tuomey Regional Medical Center. His condition was not available. Both Nesbitt and Cox were transported to KershawHealth. After the wreck, which occurred about 3 p.m., law enforcement closed down U.S. 521 North. Nesbitt was a uniformed officer who worked in the warrants division of the Sumter Police Department. Cox was treated for injuries suffered in the wreck -- reports over the radio indicated he suffered an injury to his wrist. The S.C. Highway Patrol's MAIT, or Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team, is investigating the wreck. "The family requests their privacy during this time of bereavement," the release states. "On behalf of the Sumter City Police Department, we ask for your prayers during this somber time." Reach Joe Perry at (803) 774-1272. More about Wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Autopsy: Officer died from injuries ▪ ARTICLE: 'He loved his community' ▪ ARTICLE: Sumter police officer dies after wreck Posted in News, Local news on Saturday, January 22, 2011 'He loved his community' Printt half mast Saturday in front of the Law Enforcement Center on East Hampton Avenue following the death of a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department. Posted: Sunday, January 23, 2011 6:00 am | Updated: 1:42 pm, Mon Jan 24, 2011. BY JOE PERRY jperry@theitem.com A thin strip of black cloth across a police officer's badge. Flags at half mast. Two symbols that the city of Sumter has lost a police officer. About 4 p.m. on Friday, Cpl. Charles R. "Chuck" Nesbitt Jr., 39, died at KershawHealth in Camden following a head-on collision about an hour earlier just north of Rembert. According to S.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. R.K. Hughes, Nesbitt was driving a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria southbound on U.S. 521 North with Master Patrolman James V. Cox as a passenger. Traveling northbound was Michael Grunder, 43, of Camden, in a 2007 Kia Sorento. The two vehicles struck head-on beside Mt. Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road. Both officers were transported to Camden's hospital by Sumter County Emergency Medical Services while Grunder was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released. Nesbitt died about an hour after the wreck. The wreck remains under investigation. "A good officer, a good troop and he'll be sorely missed," said Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson on Saturday. "He was dedicated to what he did - he was there if you needed him; he was going to be there. He loved his job and loved his community." Deputy Chief Russell Roark characterized Nesbitt as "a fine officer." "He had a great reputation within the police department. He was a diligent worker," Roark said. Law enforcement officers - about 114 within the city's force - work holidays and long hours and forge close bonds, Roark said, and become tight-knit over the course of several years. Nesbitt wore the Sumter Police Department uniform for a decade. "It's unlike any vocation," Roark said. "It's very family-oriented, and you get to know spouses and children and family members. You develop a bond." Cox is "still shaken up," Roark said, explaining that "physically he's doing good." Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock, who performed the autopsy on Sunday, said Nesbitt died from trauma sustained in the crash. Bullock Funeral Home is handling arrangements and funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Alice Drive Baptist Church with visitation slated for 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. More about Wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Autopsy: Officer died from injuries ▪ ARTICLE: City officer dies after wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Sumter police officer dies after wreck Posted in News, Local news on Sunday, January 23, 2011 Autopsy: Officer died from injuries Related Stories Related: Messages from the public to Cpl. Charles Nesbitt Jr. Posted: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 6:00 am | Updated: 2:20 pm, Tue Jan 25, 2011. BY COREY DAVIS cdavis@theitem.com Autopsy results show a Sumter police officer involved in a two-vehicle wreck Friday died from injuries suffered in the crash, said Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock. Cpl. Charles Nesbitt Jr., a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department, died about 4 p.m. Friday after he and another officer on duty were involved in a motor vehicle wreck on U.S. 521 North near the county line. Nesbitt was 39 years old. The S.C. Highway Patrol's MAIT, or Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team, continues to investigate the wreck. "The family continues to request their privacy during this time of bereavement," a press release from the Sumter Police Department states. "On behalf of the Sumter City Police Department, we continue ask for your prayers during this somber time." Nesbitt and Master Patrolman James Vernon Cox were on duty as they were driving in a patrol car southbound on U.S. 521 north of Rembert when the wreck occurred about 3 p.m. Friday near Mt. Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road. According to S.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. R.K. Hughes, Nesbitt was driving a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria southbound on U.S. 521 North with Master Patrolman James V. Cox as a passenger. Michael Grunder, 43, of Camden, in a 2007 Kia Sorento, was traveling northbound. The two vehicles struck head-on. Sumter County Emergency Services transported both officers to a Camden hospital, where Cox was treated and later released. Grunder was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released. Nesbitt was a uniformed officer who worked in the warrants division of the Sumter Police Department. "He was dedicated to what he did - he was there if you needed him; he was going to be there. He loved his job and loved his community," Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said Saturday. Visitation is slated for 5 to 8 p.m. today at Bullock Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Alice Drive Baptist Church. More about Wreck ▪ ARTICLE: 'He loved his community' ▪ ARTICLE: City officer dies after wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Sumter police officer dies after wreck Posted in News, Local news on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Officer blacked out before wreck Posted: Friday, February 4, 2011 6:00 am | Updated: 1:56 pm, Fri Feb 4, 2011. BY JOE PERRY jperry@theitem.com A 39-year-old Sumter police officer who died as a result of a head-on wreck apparently blacked out and lost control of his 2008 Crown Victoria moments before it collided with a 2007 Kia, according to a S.C. Highway Patrol report released Thursday. Cpl. Charles R. "Chuck" Nesbitt Jr., a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department, blacked out because of a pre-existing medical condition and crossed the center line of U.S. 521 North about 3 p.m. on Jan. 21. Nesbitt and Master Patrolman James Cox, 43, had transported a prisoner to Columbia and were returning to Sumter when the wreck occurred. The Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation report shows that Nesbitt was traveling north on U.S. 521 when he crossed the center line and entered the path of a southbound 2007 Kia sport utility vehicle driven by Michael Grundner, 43, of Cassatt. Grundner tried to swerve out of the way to his right and both cars collided near the right edge of his lane, the MAIT report shows. The patrol cruiser, which sustained heavy damage to the left front portion, ended up on the opposite side of the road while Grundner's Kia came to a stop near the point of impact. Sumter police Maj. Alvin Holston confirmed Thursday the Sumter Police Department was made aware of the findings of the report. "The only thing we would say: It's an unfortunate incident - accident - involving the vehicle accident," he said. The wreck occurred just north of Rembert beside Mt. Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road. Cox and Nesbitt were both taken to KershawHealth in Camden while Grundner was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center. A man who answered the phone at Grundner's home Thursday said Grundner is "coming along" but would not comment on the MAIT report or give his name. The man said Grundner is being represented by Robert Reeves, a Fort Mill attorney. "I don't know what will come of it, but we'll wait and see," Reeves said late Thursday afternoon. Chief Patty Patterson has said Nesbitt was a dedicated officer who will be sorely missed. Nesbitt loved his job and his community, she said. "He was dedicated to what he did - he was there if you needed him; he was going to be there. He loved his job and loved his community." Reach Joe Perry at (803) 774-1272. More about Wreck ▪ ARTICLE: Fallen officer laid to rest ▪ ARTICLE: Autopsy: Officer died from injuries ▪ ARTICLE: 'He loved his community' ▪ ARTICLE: City officer dies after wreck Posted in News, Local news on Friday, February 4, 2011 Kershaw man targets city in wreck lawsuit By JOE PERRY jperry@theitem.com The city of Sumter is the target of a lawsuit involving a Kershaw County man who claims permanent injuries and loss of income as a result of his car being hit in a head-on collision in January that resulted in the death of a Sumter police officer. Michael Grundner, 43, of Cassatt was injured in the incident. He claims continued physical and financial harm since the wreck. He is seeking a jury trial, claiming the city showed negligence and willful recklessness by failing to disregard clear evidence that Cpl. Charles R. "Chuck" Nesbitt was not physically fit for duty and that he was not given regular physical fitness tests or exams. The lawsuit, which seeks actual and punitive damages, also claims Nesbitt didn't abide by traffic laws. The city in its response said the incident was unavoidable, thereby releasing it from liability. "While operating his automobile in a careful and prudent manner, through no fault of his own, he was placed in an unexpected emergency, and because of the unexpected emergency ...he was required to act only as appeared to him best under the circumstances. ..." Attorney A. Johnston Cox said in a May 11 response. His firm, Columbia-based law firm Ellis, Lawhorne and Sims, is representing the city. According to a S.C. Highway Patrol report released in early February, Nesbitt, 39, blacked out because of a pre-existing medical condition and lost control of his 2008 Ford Crown Victoria shortly after 3 p.m. Jan. 21. Nesbitt's northbound patrol car crossed the center line of U.S. 521 North next to Mount Bethel Baptist Church at Boykin Mill Road and veered into the path of a southbound 2007 Kia sport utility vehicle driven by Grundner, the Highway Patrol's Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation report said. Nesbitt and his passenger, Master Patrolman James Cox, 43, had transported a prisoner to Columbia and were returning to Sumter when the wreck occurred, authorities said at the time. Cox and Nesbitt were both taken to KershawHealth in Camden while Grundner was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Nesbitt, a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department, died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock. City Manager Deron McCormick said Thursday afternoon the lawsuit has been turned over to the city's insurance company but couldn't comment further. Efforts to reach Grundner were unsuccessful. His attorney, Robert Reeves of Fort Mill, said he couldn't comment "since we have pending litigation." According to the lawsuit, Grundner suffered "considerable pain, discomfort and mental anguish," with injuries to his knees, left foot, right wrist and nervous system along with "diverse expenses." "He has suffered a permanent impairment which will continue to affect him throughout the rest of his natural life," the lawsuit states in part, as well as an "impairment to his earning capacity." Cox, in the city's response refers to "an unavoidable accident." "The defendant alleges that any injury and damage sustained by the plaintiff were due to and caused by an unavoidable accident on the part of the defendant, and therefore the defendant is not liable to the plaintiff in any sum whatsoever," Cox said. After the wreck, Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said Nesbitt was dedicated to his job and would be missed. "A good officer, a good troop, and he'll be sorely missed," she said. "He was dedicated to what he did - he was there if you needed him; he was going to be there. He loved his job and loved his community." Reach Joe Perry at (803) 774-1272. Posted in Local news, News on Friday, July 22, 2011 Nesbitt being remembered at memorial for fallen officers STAFF REPORTS Cpl. Charles R. “Chuck” Nesbitt Jr., a 10-year veteran of the Sumter Police Department who died as a result of a head-on wreck in 2011, will be remembered today at the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association Annual Law Enforcement Memorial. Officers across the state who died in the line of duty, as well as those who were still active or retired that died in 2011, will be remembered at the event, which will be held at 11 a.m. at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia. Other names that will be added to the wall of the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame are Roger Dale Rice Jr. of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and Edward Scott “Scotty” Richardson of the Aiken Department of Public Safety. “We encourage all citizens to attend this memorial as we remember those who devotedly gave their lives to guarantee safety and liberty for others,” S.C. Criminal Justice Academy Director Hubert F. Harrell said. “The sacrifice of their families is truly incredible, and I reassure you that these men and women will never be forgotten.” Posted in Local news, News on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 'He was a big Teddy bear' Friday blood drive honors fallen officer BRISTOW MARCHANT / THE SUMTER ITEM Officer 1st Class Rodney McFadden holds a photo of his former training officer, Cpl. Chuck Nesbitt. Nesbitt died in the line of duty in a 2011 car crash. Ever since, Sumter Police Department has hosted an annual blood drive in Nesbitt's honor. The fourth-annual Nesbitt blood drive will be held Friday at Sumter County Library. BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272 Chuck Nesbitt was a good friend, a dedicated police officer, and, in his lighter moments, a prankster. Sumter police officer Rodney McFadden was standing outside his patrol car with Nesbitt one day, "when he had somebody drive up beside me to distract me," McFadden said, "and he stuck a piece of gum in the keyhole in the door." "I had to stand there and think about it for a minute; then I realized he got me," he said. When McFadden joined Sumter Police Department, Cpl. Nesbitt was assigned as his field-training officer. Nesbitt already knew McFadden because his sister-in-law worked with the new recruit's sister. For two years, McFadden went to Nesbitt's home for game night, then took shots at shooting targets in his backyard. "He was an outstanding guy," he said. "He had a big heart. He was a big Teddy bear." Nesbitt died Jan. 21, 2011, when he apparently passed out during a medical episode while driving a patrol car back from transporting a prisoner and crashed on U.S. 521 near Rembert. His death had a big impact on the department. "We're all tight on family. We help each other out," McFadden said. "When you lose someone close to home, it hits you. It's sort of like you don't know how to deal with it until it happens to you." On Friday, Sumter Police Department will hold its fourth-annual blood drive in Nesbitt's memory. Nesbitt's fellow officers and members of the public are invited to donate the gift of life to someone in need. "This is a way to save lives in memory of Chuck Nesbitt and all the other officers who gave their lives," said Cpl. Joey Duggan, who is organizing the blood drive. The blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Sumter County Library, 111 N. Harvin St. Last year's blood drive generated 60 pints of blood for the South Carolina Red Cross. This year, the goal is to raise that total to 70 pints. "That's an incredible accomplishment. The average blood drive produces about 28 units," said Jamie Muldrow, Red Cross communications manager. All blood raised by the drive will go to hospitals in the 39-county Midlands Red Cross region. Now is a critical time for the Red Cross to be collecting blood because it often sees demand for blood grow during the summer months. As more people venture outside, outdoor-related injuries rise, while others put off elective surgery until they can take their summer vacations. At the same time, some of the Red Cross' regular donors aren't giving as much as they normally do. "In the South Carolina region, about 20 percent of our donors are high school and college students," Muldrow said. "When there's no school in the summer, we can't do blood drives there." If you want to participate in the blood drive, reserve a place by calling (803) 435-2721, or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code "SumterPolice." Duggan said appointments in the library may show up as full, but more spaces will be available in the bloodmobile in the library parking lot. The success of the Nesbitt blood drive is no secret to the officers involved. McFadden said officers know the importance of the annual blood drive as a way to honor their fallen comrade. "It's important we don't forget what he's done for the city and the department, and that we carry on his legacy," he said. "He earned it." Posted in Local news, News on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Police officer's widow recalls man she loved ‘Some days are fine; some days are not’ Joyce Nesbitt wipes away a tear as she talks about her late husband, Cpl. Charles Nesbitt, who was killed in the line of duty in 2011. He was hired by Sumter Police Department in 2001. KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM Posted Saturday, January 9, 2016 6:00 am BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY KONSTANTIN@THEITEM.COM Fulfilling a childhood dream, the late Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Richard Nesbitt Jr., of Sumter Police Department, loved every aspect of being a law enforcement officer, said his wife, Joyce Wells Nesbitt. Nesbitt, 39, died after a head-on collision with another vehicle on U.S. 521 north of Rembert, on Jan. 21, 2011. Nesbitt was the driver of the vehicle with retired Master Patrolman James V. Cox, as passenger. The two officers were on their way back from transporting a juvenile to a detention center in Columbia, when the wreck occurred. Nesbitt died several hours after the wreck at KershawHealth in Camden. Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, designated by the National Concerns of Police Survivors organization as a day to honor law enforcement officers for their service. It has been almost five years since the tragic day that ended her husband's life, but Joyce remembers all of the details as if it was yesterday. "Every second," she said. "I got a call from Sumter Police Department Lt. Mike Evans who told me to meet him in the parking lot of a store where I was at the time. I didn't know much right then except that he had been involved in an accident." By the time Evans and Joyce arrived at KershawHealth in Camden, Nesbitt had died from his injuries, she said. Joyce said she knew Nesbitt worked in a high-risk profession, but getting that call was not something she was prepared for. "It was not something that we ever discussed; it was knowledge," she said. "I knew that if something were to happen, though, I trusted his training, and I also trusted the officers who had worked with him." Joyce, with tears in her eyes, said time does not make it easier dealing with the death of her husband. "It depends on the day. Some days are fine; some days are not," she said. "There are several officers though, who take my calls no matter what. Anytime I'm having a bad day." Family, friends and law enforcement officers have helped her cope, Joyce said. Carolina Concerns of Police Survivors has been a support system as well, she said. The organization is composed of family members and co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The organization provides support and information to police survivors and their agencies. It also notifies families and departments of fallen officers about the State and National Police Memorial Services, which take place each year. "One of my best friends is a member of the organization who lost her husband 12 years ago," Joyce said. In 2012, Nesbitt's name was engraved into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., which honors more than 20,270 U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty throughout history. Nesbitt was the son of Charles Nesbitt Sr. and Carol Nesbitt. After graduating from Furman High School in 1990, Nesbitt began serving the residents of Sumter County with the S.C. Highway and Public Transport (now S.C. Department of Transportation). In 1996, he became a correctional officer at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. In 2001, he was hired by the Sumter Police Department and assigned to the patrol. At the time of his death, he was serving in the warrants division. He also served as a field training officer and mentor. | |
| _UID | B01C301E0ED6405CA1797634AA96A2347461 | |
| _UID | B01C301E0ED6405CA1797634AA96A2347461 | |
| Death | 21 Jan 2011 | Kershaw Health Hospital, Camden, Kershaw County, South Carolina  |
| Burial | 26 Jan 2011 | Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina [4] |
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| Person ID | I263162 | Singleton and Related Families |
| Last Modified | 8 Sep 2024 | |
| Father | Charles Richard NESBITT, Sr. | |
| Mother | Doris Carol STEVENS, b. 23 Feb 1949, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina d. 1 Sep 2024, Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina (Age 75 years) | |
| Marriage | 15 Jun 1968 [2] | |
| _UID | 695549F0B45E4837B74206279B9572166684 | |
| _UID | 695549F0B45E4837B74206279B9572166684 | |
| Family ID | F177270 | Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Family | Joyce WELLS | |
| _UID | 1747223CF74E404D9A4C41C82E3C160B0899 | |
| _UID | 1747223CF74E404D9A4C41C82E3C160B0899 | |
| Family ID | F177269 | Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Last Modified | 23 Mar 2026 | |
| Sources |
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