Camden Military Academy was honored to welcome South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Assistant Chief Richard Gregory as the commencement speaker for the Academy’s 2026 Graduation Ceremony held on May 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
A native of Camden and lifelong resident of Kershaw County, Assistant Chief Gregory brought a remarkable story of dedication, leadership, and public service to the graduating Class of 2026. His journey began in 1994 when he enrolled at the University of South Carolina. In January 1995, while still a student, he accepted a position with SLED as a “phone boy.” After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina in December 1997, Gregory became a Special Agent with SLED.
In July 1998, he graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and received the prestigious JP Strom Award, the academy’s highest academic honor. Gregory later continued his professional development as a graduate of both the 279th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and the South Carolina Executive Institute.
Throughout his distinguished career, Gregory has served in a variety of investigative and leadership roles. After working in SLED’s Alcohol Enforcement Unit, he transferred to the Narcotics Unit in 2001 and was assigned to the South Carolina State Grand Jury, where he investigated major multi-county narcotics trafficking organizations. In 2003, he joined SLED’s Protective Services and Emergency Management Unit, helping support the agency’s expanding homeland security and counterterrorism responsibilities.
Gregory returned to the State Grand Jury in 2004 to investigate white-collar crime and public corruption cases. In 2006, he joined the FBI’s newly established Public Corruption Task Force as a Task Force Officer, further expanding his experience in complex investigations and interagency cooperation.
His leadership continued to grow through a series of promotions, including Lieutenant in the Narcotics Unit in 2012, Captain of Narcotics, Alcohol, and Vice Services in 2016, and Major of Investigative Services in 2018 before being named Assistant Chief of SLED in 2020.
Speaking to graduates, Gregory encouraged the young men of Camden Military Academy to embrace responsibility, lead with integrity, and remain committed to excellence in all they do. His message of perseverance and service resonated deeply with the Class of 2026, many of whom are preparing to pursue college, military service, and professional careers.
As the ceremony concluded, Gregory’s inspiring example served as a reminder that great achievements often begin with humble beginnings, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right. His story reflected the very values Camden Military Academy seeks to instill in every cadet and provided a fitting sendoff for the graduating class.