The S.C. Sheriff’s Association has named Lexington County’s top law enforcement officer as tops in the state.

The association selected county Sheriff Jay Koon as its 2023 Sheriff of the Year.

He was nominated by Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis, who called Koon a “professional, innovative, community-minded law enforcement officer,” according to a release.

“In nominating Koon, Lewis praised him for being proactive in identifying the unique needs of his community and quickly addressing them, particularly as it relates to gang activity and sexually violent predators,” the release states. “He went on to recognize Sheriff Koon for increasing community policing and strengthening relationships with key community stakeholders, especially within the Lexington County School Districts. Finally, Sheriff Lewis highlighted Sheriff Koon’s commitment to the law enforcement profession as he stresses the importance of inter-agency training and always makes himself available to other law enforcement leaders during delicate law enforcement situations.”

Koon was first elected Lexington County’s sheriff in 2015 and is up for re-election in 2024. He served previously for 20 years with the Town of Lexington Police Department, holding positions such as detective, patrol sergeant, watch commander, special operations lieutenant, and assistant chief. He is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute. 

He previously received the Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement in 2022.

“When Sheriff Koon took the helm of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, he knew he had to overcome several obstacles,” the association’s release states. “Not only did he have to restore trust in the Sheriff’s Office, but he also had to reinforce a culture of integrity, accountability, and efficiency in his agency. Sheriff Koon immediately made transparency and communication a priority as he implemented several innovative ways to communicate with the citizens of Lexington County, especially through social media. He also implemented the agency’s body-worn camera program and became one of the first Sheriffs in the state to partner with the SC Department of Mental Health to start a Mobile Crisis Response Team.

“Jay recognizes his greatest asset at the Sheriffs’ Office are his employees, both sworn and civilian. As such, Sheriff Koon made it a top priority to advocate for the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office for increased salaries and benefits. Through his leadership, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department employees have received meaningful pay increases and substantial bonuses because of their service and sacrifice throughout the pandemic.”

Koon is set to receive the award during the association’s annual conference, which will take place July 9-12 in Myrtle Beach. To mark the award, Moseley Architects will give $1,000 in his honor to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation.

“We are extremely proud of Sheriff Koon! He has worked tirelessly to protect and defend the citizens of Lexington County and restore faith and confidence in the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department,” Todd Davis, a representative for Moseley Architects, is quoted.