Aiken County Sheriff Race Heats Up as Election Day Approaches
As the sun rises over Aiken County, so does the excitement for the upcoming election. Voters are gearing up to head to the polls, and the race for Aiken County Sheriff is becoming increasingly competitive. With two candidates, Lucas Grant, a Democrat, and Marty Sawyer, a Republican, each candidate is making their final push to connect with voters, focusing on their backgrounds in law enforcement and their visions for public safety in the county.
Lucas Grant: A New Perspective on Public Safety
Lucas Grant brings a strong background to the table, having spent years as a seasoned investigator with Richmond County and currently serving as a sergeant with the Wagener Police Department. Grant has a personal connection to the impact of crime; he lost his father to violence, which fuels his determination to make a difference. “Aiken County deserves a sheriff’s office that solves cases and builds bridges with the community,” he states passionately.
Throughout his career, Grant has built an impressive record, claiming to have dismantled 98 gangs and achieved a 95% conviction rate in homicide cases. He emphasizes that he is not part of the traditional “good-old-boy system,” aiming to infuse new energy and perspective into the Sheriff’s office. With 14 years of experience in one of Georgia’s largest sheriff’s offices, Grant plans to establish a dedicated traffic division and a specialized intelligence unit to address the serious issues of gang activity, drug trafficking, and violent crime.
A special focus of Grant’s platform is on ensuring youth safety. He is particularly concerned that only 7 of the 29 schools in Aiken County have police officers on site. “It’s unacceptable,” he insists, “I will create a specialized division for School Resource Officers, ensuring a safer educational environment for all students.”
Marty Sawyer: Building on Local Experience
On the other side of the race is Marty Sawyer, a Republican who is no stranger to law enforcement in Aiken County. With 40 years dedicated to public service, Sawyer’s journey began as a volunteer fire cadet at just 16 years old. Over the years, he advanced to become the captain of the Criminal Investigations Division, managing all major crimes, juvenile issues, and victim services. “It is time for me to step forward and assume a bigger role in my service to the citizens,” Sawyer expresses, highlighting his deep-rooted ties to the community. “Unlike my opponent, I have lived in Aiken County my entire life.”
During his campaign, Sawyer emphasizes enhancing school safety by increasing the number of School Resource Officers, improving rural patrols, and adding a DNA analyst position to expedite testing and boost investigation efficiency. “My top priorities are the safety of our children in schools and all citizens of Aiken County,” he affirms, recognizing the critical importance of community trust and safety.
Additionally, Sawyer is committed to improving the mental and physical well-being of the Sheriff’s Office employees, expressing that “the better product we produce, the better service you receive when you call the Sheriff’s Office.”
Support and Endorsements for Both Candidates
Both candidates have garnered considerable support from various community members and public figures. Grant has focused his message on addressing the crucial needs of families affected by crime, rallying community members to his cause. Meanwhile, Sawyer enjoys backing from several local law enforcement leaders, alongside political figures, including retiring Sheriff Michael Hunt, who stated, “I appreciate your support and vote on Tuesday, November 5th.”
As election day draws near, the community of Aiken County is buzzing with conversations about public safety, youth protection, and the direction in which they want their Sheriff’s office to move. It’s clear that both candidates are dedicated to making a positive impact, leaving voters with a crucial decision to make come November 5th.
