Hanahan Names New Chief of Police

Join us in congratulating and welcoming Hanahan Police Department’s new Chief of Police, Rick Gebhardt. 

Chief Gebhardt began his law enforcement career in 1997 as a member of the United States Air Force Security Forces. While enlisted, he served as an entry controller, patrolman, alarm response team leader, and alarm monitor. He deployed to Kuwait as part of Operation Desert Fox and Albania as part of Operations Allied Force and Shining Hope.

Chief Gebhardt began his civilian law enforcement career in 2001 with the North Charleston Police Department; he then served at the Isle of Palms Police where he was a patrol sergeant. 

He joined the ranks of the Summerville Police Department in 2007. While serving the community with the Summerville Police Department, Chief Gebhardt served in several capacities, including firearms instructor, detective, patrol supervisor, watch commander, SWAT commander, and training commander. Since his promotion to captain, Chief Gebhardt has commanded the Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division, and the Administrative Division.

Chief Gebhardt’s vision includes operating a respected and trusted police department in a safe and just community where everyone is respected and protected; reducing crime and violence through fair and impartial policing while upholding the Constitutions of the United States and the State of South Carolina; building trust and partnerships with the community; protecting the rights of all people; and serving the community with compassion and understanding

Chief Gebhardt graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia College and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Public Safety through the University of Virginia. Chief Gebhardt is a graduate of the 282nd Session of the FBI National Academy and the FBI’s Carolina Command College.

While enlisted in the United States Air Force, Chief Gebhardt received the Distinguished Graduate Award from the Security Forces Academy, Airman of the Year for the 437th Security Forces Squadron, the Diamond Sharp Award for Charleston Air Force Base, and several other awards and medals. While with Summerville, Chief Gebhardt was recognized as Officer of the Quarter, received the Award of Merit from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3, and the Medal of Valor for his life-saving actions during a residential fire in 2017.

Chief Gebhardt is an active member of the FBI National Academy Associates, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and Police Futurists International.

Chief Gebhardt is a fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He is married. He and his wife have three daughters, and all reside in Berkeley County. They enjoy traveling and other family activities.

Welcome to Hanahan, Chief Gebhardt!