Gov. McMaster reappoints SLED Chief

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Thursday, according to the Governor’s Office, Gov. McMaster announced his decision to reappoint State Law Enforcement Director Mark Keel following Keel’s 30 day retirement from the agency.

Keel notified the governor of his intent to retire Wednesday.

Officials say the SC Police Officers Retirement System requires officers to retire for at least 30 days before returning to covered employment.

A spokesperson for the Governor’s Office says this is a common practice in the law enforcement community.

“With over 40 years of law enforcement experience and more than 12 years as the leader of SLED, Chief Keel is widely recognized by the public, elected officials, and the media as the leader of our state’s law enforcement community,” said Governor McMaster. “Retaining Chief Keel’s leadership and law enforcement expertise is a victory for our entire state. He is a true public servant, and I thank him for his willingness to continue serving the people of South Carolina.”
Keel began his time as SLED chief in 2011 and was reappointed in 2018.

He has served with SLED since 1979.

“Serving as the Chief of SLED has been the honor of my career,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel in his letter. “Being the Chief of SLED is an incredibly humbling experience. I have been blessed to be surrounded by dedicated public servants who every day strive to make South Carolina a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.”