Steven Jonas has been hired as the new police chief for the Town of South Congaree after being hired unanimously by the Mayor and the town council at their August meeting.

Jonas began his career in the Marine Corps when he enlisted at the age of 19. Following his service, he worked as an officer in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, South Carolina Bureau of Protective Services and as a trooper for the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

After serving on the state highway patrol, Jonas served in the Town of Lexington Police Department before transferring to the Town of South Congaree’s department as a lieutenant and assistant police chief. He was later promoted to captain and then major.

Jonas has already begun his role with his first priority being to increase the number of people hired to get up to the department’s full staffing numbers.

Jonas quoted Ronald Reagan after his hiring, saying “Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid.”

Mayor Cindy Campbell said in the press release that the town was “thrilled” to announce Jonas’ promotion.

“I am thrilled to announce the promotion of Steven Jonas to Chief of Police, marking a new chapter for the Town of South Congaree. His support of the Council and commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community and its residents is truly inspiring. Great things are on the horizon for South Congaree,” Campbell said.

Jonas was officially sworn in on Aug. 28.