Editorial: Eric Luke sworn in as Sumpter Chief

On Tuesday, the Sumpter Township board meeting room was packed with members of the Sumpter Police Department (in and out of uniform), family members, a neighboring public safety director, and a retired police chief.
And, also 34th District Court Chief Judge Tina Brooks Green who officially swore in Police Captain Eric Luke as Sumpter’s new police chief.
The board action to name Luke as chief was put on the agenda just minutes before the vote. It was a happy occasion and there were cupcakes and lots of pictures taken.
Past Police Chief Jim Pierce recently retired and Capt. Luke was named interim chief. Luke’s selection as chief wasn’t a surprise, since he has been groomed for the position over the last several years.
He has the distinction of being the first white police chief of Sumpter Township, as far as anyone can remember. He also is the first chief to come up through the Sumpter ranks since Chief Brown.
Chief Luke thanked Chief Clinton Brown who hired him as a 23-year-old officer in the summer of 1994 and gave him a chance. He also thanked Chief Pierce who moved him up the ladder to captain.
Chief Luke said having such a fine group of officers made it a pleasure for him to come into work in the morning. Judge Green also complimented Sumpter for its fine police work.
Best wishes to Chief Luke for a long and successful career.