Meet
Edward Hethington

Retired Law Enforcement Officer and Author

Edward “Ned” Hethington, a retired Charleston police officer, shares true stories from his 30-year career in The City’s Finest. His book offers an insightful look at the challenges of law enforcement, shaped by his experiences and Charleston’s rich history.

A Legacy of Service and Storytelling

Edward “Ned” Hethington was born and raised in the low country of South Carolina, where he developed a deep connection to its history and culture. After dedicating over 30 years to the Charleston Police Department, Ned retired in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of service in one of America’s most historic cities. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ned has shared his love of the low country with his family, exploring its storied landscapes and rich past. His experiences in Charleston, a city shaped by pirates and a colorful past, inspired him to write about his career in law enforcement.
Ned holds a master’s degree from The Citadel and has witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of policing over several decades. Now, he shares his personal stories and reflections in The City’s Finest, offering readers an unvarnished look at the challenges, changes, and realities faced by police officers.

A Career in Law Enforcement

Ned Hethington’s law enforcement career spanned over three decades, during which he worked for the Charleston Police Department in various roles. His book, The City’s Finest, recounts the raw, unfiltered stories of his experiences on the streets, from the early 1970s to the early 2000s. As a police officer, Ned witnessed tremendous changes in the field of law enforcement, both in Charleston and across the nation. He worked closely with city officials, including the mayor and Chiefs of Police, and always felt supported in his role.
The stories in The City’s Finest are a reflection of Ned’s hands-on experience, showcasing the harsh realities, challenges, and rewards of life as a police officer. From his time walking the streets of Charleston to witnessing major societal changes, Ned’s career serves as a testament to the dedication and resilience required to serve in law enforcement.

Exploring Charleston’s History

Growing up in the low country of South Carolina, Ned Hethington developed a fascination with the rich history of Charleston, including the influence of pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. His exploration of the area with his children and grandchildren has deepened his connection to the land and its stories. As a police officer, he walked the same streets and islands that historic pirates once roamed, and throughout his career, he became a witness to the modern-day crimes of Charleston, drawing parallels between the past and present.

The City's Finest Read

In The City’s Finest, Edward Hethington shares true stories from his 30-year career as a Charleston police officer. These tales, which span from the early 1970s to the early 2000s, offer readers an inside look at the evolving field of law enforcement. With candid and opinionated reflections, Ned provides a glimpse into the challenges police officers face every day across the United States. Some stories are raw and intense, showing the tough realities of the job, while others reveal the complexities of policing in a historic city like Charleston.
This book is not just for those interested in law enforcement but for anyone looking to understand the changes and challenges that have shaped modern policing. Ned’s firsthand accounts are both informative and thought-provoking, shedding light on the inner workings of the police force and the impact of societal shifts over the decades.

About the Book

The City's Finest

Edward Hethington’s The City’s Finest is a must-read for anyone curious about law enforcement, the history of Charleston, or the evolution of policing in America. Through his candid storytelling, Ned offers readers a unique perspective on a career dedicated to serving and protecting the people of Charleston.

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