Koon's Watch

The Christmas season and the end of a calendar year provide a good time to pause and reflect on the accomplishments and milestones of the previous year.

We’ve have some major events that tried us this year as an agency.

I’m proud of everyone’s work on the capital murder trial of Timothy Ray Jones Jr.

A number of deputies had to relive a very difficult case as they assisted the Solicitor Rick Hubbard’s prosecution team. They all stayed strong and played a vital role in justice being served as the jury handed down a death sentence.

I’m also proud of how we handled another significant murder trial. This one hit very close to home as one of our own, Lindsay Lee, was the victim.

Those who worked closely with Lindsay were called to testify and handled themselves in a professional manner despite their personal feelings. Lindsay’s estranged husband was convicted in the case and sentenced to life in prison.

There were also things to celebrate this year, including a significant advancement in compensation for deputies who work a shift that falls on a major holiday.

During this year’s budget process, I asked County Council to consider paying public safety personnel extra pay for working on holidays. Council ultimately agreed

to pay them for 8 of

the 13 designated

county holidays.

We were able to

make this budget

addition without

any tax increases whatsoever.

Our community heroes make great sacrifices every day for the citizens they serve. While Lexington County residents are enjoying their holiday celebrations, meals and fellowship with their families—our public safety personnel are responding to calls for service, patrolling the streets and staffing our jail.

They’re risking their lives to ensure we have a safe place to call home.

As you enjoy the holidays, I encourage you to look back on 2019 and prepare for 2020.

We live in a wonderful community. I look forward to serving with you as we at the Sheriff’s Department work to strengthen our relationship with you and others we are sworn to protect.