Medical concerns force resignation of Rupert Police Chief

By RealWV Staff,

RUPERT, W.Va. – As the result of progressing medical concerns, Chuck Burkhammer has stepped down as the Town of Rupert’s Chief of Police. 

In a statement first reported on by Lootpress’ Cameron Gunnoe, Burkhammer writes, “I have come down with stage four cancer in several parts of my body. I need to take this time and spend with my family and figure out how to fight this terrible disease.”

Burkhammer’s statement was posted Wednesday via the Town of Rupert Police Department’s social media. The full statement reads:

“This is a message that I didn’t think I would be posting for at least a few more years. As of August 1 2023 I will no longer be your Chief of Police. I have come down with stage 4 cancer in several parts of my body. I need to take this time and spend with my family and figure out how to fight this terrible disease. Trust me I won’t go down without a fight. Back in 2016 I first got the disease and was able to beat it another time since then in 2020. But it has now returned being more aggressive. A fight it wants. A fight it’s gonna get. “

“I have so enjoyed being your Chief of Police. I can actually say that of all the departments I have ever worked for, you are my favorite and best one. Rupert is a special place. I couldn’t ask for a better mayor or town council to have worked for. They never got in my way and allowed me to run things how I saw fit. This allowed things to work very well for myself and the town. I can’t remember them ever telling me no, that they wouldn’t help or allow me to do something. They have been there for me through all of this and that has meant the world to my family and me.

“When I arrived there, we had a closet that we worked out of. Now we are proud of a spacious office where each office has their own desk. We created our own municipal court. We were able to purchase two brand new patrol cars. Each officer also now has his own shotgun and pistol. Brand new uniforms and equipment for the patrol cars. Very proud of the mayor and council for obtaining whatever we needed to make our job a little easier and safe. My office staff that the town surrounded me with can’t be beat. They are not just staff, they are family. They don’t get enough credit for what they do. And for what they do, they can’t be beaten.

“The citizens of this town are second to none. When you need them, they always deliver. We have done many fundraisers and they have always stepped up. We set out to get a few Christmas gifts for the kids and exceeded our challenge with not only gifts but dinners to give for free to their families.

“Now with this disease on the attack again, the citizens have come to aid my family. Neither I nor my family will ever forget it.

“You will still see me around town. I will continue this fight and hopefully will come out the other end smiling. But I need to give my family all the attention I possibly can. Unfortunately this page will be taken down soon and your new chief that you hire can create his own policy.

“There are too many to thank personally, but I wish everyone good luck in whatever you do.

“At last I want to thank God. None of us would be here without him. God is good all the time and is the greatest healer. With his help I have no doubt I will come out the other side smiling. God designed me, created me, blessed me, and heals me. And it’s the same with everyone of you, HE LOVES YOU!!!”

Burkhammer’s resignation was effective Aug. 1.