Florence, South Carolina, October 17, 2025

News Summary

After a remarkable 42-year tenure, Police Chief Allen Heidler officially retires, ending a significant chapter in Florence’s law enforcement history. Recognized for his community-oriented policing approach and commitment to officer training, Heidler has left an indelible mark through his leadership, especially during challenging moments such as the 2018 Vintage Place ambush. Capt. Stephen Starling has been appointed as the interim police chief, succeeding Heidler as the department transitions to new leadership amidst widespread community appreciation for Heidler’s dedicated service.

Florence, South Carolina: Police Chief Allen Heidler Retires After 42 Years of Service

Police Chief Allen Heidler officially retires on Thursday after an impressive 42-year career with the Florence Police Department, marking the end of a significant era in law enforcement for the community. Having served as chief since 2014, Heidler announced his retirement in August, leading to a wave of appreciation from the department and community alike.

The Florence Police Department expressed its gratitude for Heidler’s service through a message on social media, highlighting his commitment to improving officer training and resources throughout his career. Under Heidler’s leadership, the department emphasized the importance of community-oriented policing and transparency, striving to establish trust between law enforcement and residents.

Chief Heidler led the department during some challenging times, particularly in the wake of the tragic 2018 Vintage Place ambush, which claimed the lives of Sgt. Terrence Carraway and Investigator Farrah Turner, while injuring five other officers. Heidler has been recognized for his integrity, fairness, and dedication to treating the community with dignity and respect.

In light of Heidler’s departure, Capt. Stephen Starling has been appointed as the interim police chief. The transition follows several commendations from the Florence City Council, which recently recognized Heidler for his contributions to the city. The city manager commented on the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement, stating that there is “nobody like Chief Heidler.”

Heidler’s law enforcement career began in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, before he relocated from Pennsylvania to South Carolina in 1983 to join the Florence Police Department. He has always prioritized community policing, which he identifies as one of his proudest achievements as chief. Heidler has implemented programs aimed at addressing the emotional and mental health concerns for officers, particularly following traumatic experiences.

Aside from his administrative initiatives, Heidler’s approachable demeanor has left a lasting impression on officers and the community. Stories of him chasing a shoplifter into a pond, which led to his officers humorously wearing life vests, demonstrate his commitment to hands-on policing and camaraderie within the department. In recognition of his exceptional service, Heidler received the city’s Public Servant of the Year Award in 2021.

A formal ceremony will be held to honor Heidler’s retirement, allowing the community to celebrate his long-lasting impact on the Florence Police Department. His leadership and compassion will be remembered by many, as the department navigates the transition to new leadership under Capt. Starling.

Key Achievements of Chief Allen Heidler

• Four decades of service in law enforcement
• Police Chief of Florence since 2014
• Led during critical incidents, notably the 2018 Vintage Place ambush
• Pioneer in community-oriented policing initiatives
• Recipient of the city’s Public Servant of the Year Award in 2021

Community Impact

Heidler is remembered not only for his leadership but also for his caring and compassionate approach towards community interactions. His legacy of integrity and transparency has set a benchmark for future leadership in the department.

FAQ

Key Features of Police Chief Allen Heidler’s Tenure

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Additional Resources

• WMBF News: Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler Retires After 42 Years
• WPDE: Florence Police Chief to Retire After Four Decades
• Post and Courier: Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler Retires
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
• Google Search: Florence Police Department

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.