Tanner retiring after decades as Beaufort Co. sheriff: It’s been ‘my honor and privilege’
After more than a quarter-century heading Beaufort County’s police force, Sheriff P.J. Tanner has announced he will not be seeking reelection later this year.
Tanner’s last day in the role will be January 5, 2027, he wrote in a letter to all Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office personnel on Thursday. That marks 28 years since he was sworn in for his first term as sheriff in 1999.
“Serving Beaufort County as the elected sheriff for 28 years ... has been my honor and privilege,” Tanner wrote in the letter. “I am confident that this Office will continue to thrive, and I am hopeful that you will provide the incoming Sheriff with the same dedication to purpose that you have shown me.”
His announcement came four days before the candidate filing period begins for South Carolina’s November 3 general election, leaving the sheriff’s race wide open for newcomers. The two-week filing period lasts from March 16 to 30.
Tanner was elected sheriff for seven four-year terms in a row, running unopposed in most races while securing decisive wins against the occasional challenger. His decades-long tenure saw Beaufort County nearly double in population.
News of Tanner’s retirement was first reported by The Island News.
“Working alongside such a dedicated, talented group of individuals at the Sheriff’s Office has been the highlight of my 46 years as a law enforcement officer in South Carolina,” Tanner wrote in his retirement announcement. “The challenges we have conquered, and the accomplishments and victories we have celebrated together have been truly both personally and professionally rewarding and memorable.”
Bob Bromage, a former sheriff’s office investigator and current lead of the cold case division who worked alongside Tanner for years, commended the sheriff’s “outstanding” leadership skills and work in leading the agency into the 21st century.
“Forensic laboratory, DNA — he brought all of that to Beaufort County. He brought the cold case initiative,” Bromage said of Tanner.
Bromage also applauded Tanner’s ability to put his constituents first, even through the politics of seven consecutive elections.
“(Tanner) was not swayed by special interest, small groups — he was swayed by the voter, what’s good for the common good,” Bromage told The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. “He was not just a politician; he was a sheriff. He worked for the residents of Beaufort County.”
This story will be updated.
This story was originally published March 13, 2026 at 10:16 AM.
