CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston Police Department’s leader revealed he has cancer in a message to staff Wednesday morning.

Chief Luther Reynolds said he saw a doctor four weeks ago for a sore back, and that is when it was discovered he had cancer.

“I am excited about the good care we have here, a good hospital, my faith, my family, the community, the people in this department, and it’s something I wanted to make people aware that I am in a battle with my health,” Reynolds said in his announcement.

Reynolds said he’s got great support from the Medical University of South Carolina, doctors, and “a whole lot of other people and most importantly my faith,” he said.

Reynolds said he will pursue a rigorous treatment plan that includes both surgery and chemotherapy.

“I’ve received outstanding care so far and feel confident that these steps will help guide me toward a cancer-free prognosis,” he said.

He said there will be no break in service and the department will continue its mission to serve the community, but there will be periods where he will have an acting deputy chief in place while he is receiving treatment. “I will be here, I’m not going anywhere,” he said.

“In the weeks that followed the initial diagnosis, my family and I spent time consulting with my medical team at MUSC to determine the best path forward. At this time, that path includes a rigorous treatment plan, with both surgery and chemotherapy,” said Chief Reynolds in a memo to Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and city council. “I’ve received outstanding care so far and feel confident that these steps will help guide me toward a cancer-free prognosis.”

Chief Reynolds said the outpouring of support has been a real blessing and that he was grateful to Mayor Tecklenburg for his leadership and friendship.

Mayor Tecklenburg released the following statement about Chief Reynold’s cancer diagnosis:

“Sandy and I continue to pray for Chief Reynolds and his family as they work through this most difficult time. Too many families across our nation are touched by cancer, but we’re blessed here in Charleston to have access to some of the most cutting-edge medical treatments available, and it’s comforting to know that he’s in extraordinarily capable hands. As the chief said, he’s a fighter, and I know that he’s up for this challenge with the grace of God. And in the meantime, I have no doubt that the remarkable men and women of our Charleston Police Department will continue to carry on their mission to protect and serve our great city.”

A close friend of Chief Reynolds, Chief Reggie Burgess with the North Charleston Police Department says he is saddened by the news but is staying positive. He and Chief Reynolds share a deep-rooted faith.

“His faith that he has and the faith that I have and that other Christians have, that we’ll get through this together,” said Chief Burgess.