Sensei Brian Pena of The Karate Dojo presented a plaque to Rosetta Leaphart who is the wife of the first African American Police Chief in Irmo, Frank Leaphart. Pena was joined by former police chiefs and mayors to honor the memory of Leaphart’s service to the town of Irmo. Leaphart served the town of Irmo from 1977-1980 under Irmo Mayor Don Lovett.
“He was a great chief,” said Lovett. “He made good decisions and could be lenient but tough at the same time.” Chief Leaphart passed away on December 14, 2021 and is fondly remembered in Irmo. Former Chief of Police Joe Nates said he was honored that Frank attended both his assistant chief and police chief promotions. Former Mayor Walker extolled that it is important to be first of anything and that his contribution made a difference in the Irmo community.
“I am very humbled to present this to you, Mrs. Leaphart,” said Pena. “He was a great father and a good person and so much more than just a chief of police.”
Pictured left to right: Former Mayor Barry A. Walker, Sr.; former Irmo Police Chief Joe Nates; former Irmo Mayor Don Lovett; Sensei Brian Pena; Rosetta Leaphart; Irmo Town Administrator Courtney Dennis; daughter Sheila holding the plaque; Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale; current Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson; Irmo Police Major John Hendricks.
