Veteran West Columbia police officer dies after heart attack

The West Columbia Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own after a long time member of the department died Tuesday.

Chief Dennis Tyndall said 61-year-old Chuck Bramlett was rushed to a local hospital after suffering a heart attack on Sunday. He died Tuesday surrounded by his family and friends.

“Chuck Bramlett has been at our department for almost 23 years. He has trained officers to understand the importance of hard work, professional and personal integrity,” Tyndall said in a statement. “Chuck was one of the department’s first community police officers; he loved to work in the community.”

Tyndall said Bramlett loved to cook for his fellow officers and for the community.

“Any time we had a fundraiser or a law enforcement event, Chuck was always there cooking hotdogs, burgers or chickens,” Tyndall said. “Chuck was always willing to help out anyone in need. He was well respected by his peers and the citizens he served with great dedication. He will be sorely missed.”

Anyone who wants to send well wishes to the Bramlett family should send them to the Wes Columbia Police Department located at 200 North 12 St., West Columbia, SC, 29169.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 10:46 AM.