Koon's Watch

This week is a time for us to recognize the brave men and women who have stepped up to serve and protect their community.

The life of a deputy sheriff involves patrolling communities, conducting traffic stops, making arrests, keeping the peace and responding to calls for service.

Tasks of various units may include investigations, K-9, Marine Patrol, Bomb Squad, Community Services, CSI, SWAT, Judicial Services and more.

Lexington County deputies are responsible for all of the unincorporated areas of the county.

They work 24/7 on rotating 12-hour shifts. We are a full-service, internationally accredited law enforcement agency that is dedicated to serving more than 270,400 citizens.

Our deputies are certified Class I Law Enforcement Officers in the state of South Carolina.

Applicants for law enforcement positions go through an eight-step employment process, including a polygraph, physical and psychological evaluation before they begin work.

Once accepted for employment with LCSD, patrol officer candidates attend a 12-week Basic Law Enforcement training program at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

Application requirements for deputy sheriffs include: must be 21 years old, either Class I certified/have a bachelor’s degree/prior military experience/or be certified in another state, be a U.S. Citizen, have a clear criminal history, and be of sound morals and ethics.

This position has a starting salary of $39,474, with a retirement plan and insurance benefits.

The Lexington

County Sheriff’s

Department answered nearly

76,000 calls for service last year (not including follow-ups).

With more than 500 full and part-time enforcement, corrections and civilian employees—the Sheriff’s Department is a place for professional challenge and growth.

Interested in learning more about how our patrol deputies serve the citizens of Lexington County? Call: 803-785-JOIN to speak to Recruiting Sergeant Dan Rusinyak.

Remember to thank an officer for their hard work and dedication to public service. There is no greater sacrifice than to lay down one’s life for another.