Graniteville Elects New Sheriff Marty Sawyer, Promises Enhanced Community Safety

Graniteville Welcomes New Sheriff: Marty Sawyer Takes the Reigns!

Graniteville, SC – The air was buzzing with excitement and a hint of rain as Marty Sawyer secured his victory in the Aiken County sheriff’s race on November 5. In front of family and friends at the Gregg Park Civic Center, Sawyer celebrated with open arms after achieving a resounding triumph over his Democratic opponent, Lucas Grant.

A Night to Remember

The mood was electric as supporters gathered to cheer on Sawyer, who received a stunning 43,971 votes, which is about 63.19% of the total ballots cast. Meanwhile, Grant garnered 25,489 votes, just 36.63% of the total, on a night that saw 69,580 votes counted, including 120 write-ins. “I am truly humbled by the support from the citizens of Aiken County,” remarked Sawyer during a telephone interview at his watch party. “The trust they have in me to run the sheriff’s office means everything.”

Ready to Serve

With a big smile and a heart full of gratitude, Sawyer shared his immediate plans post-election. “I’ll be diving right into work this weekend,” he declared. “I’m going to be reviewing policies, looking over the budget, and meeting with potential command staff.” His passion for the job shines bright, even before officially stepping into the role in early 2025.

Priorities After Victory

So, what can residents of Aiken County expect from their new sheriff? Sawyer has mentioned his top three priorities, which include enhancing visibility with more marked patrol cars in the rural areas, increasing the number of resource officers in schools, and, of course, safeguarding the constitutional rights of Aiken residents. He stated, “I’m ready to hit the ground running!”

A Background in Service

For those who don’t know, Sawyer is currently a captain in the Aiken Department of Public Safety, making him no stranger to law enforcement. He started his career in 1989 and was promoted to captain in 2012, overseeing critical areas like investigations, narcotics, and victim services, as well as handling school resource officers. Current Sheriff Michael Hunt, who has guided Aiken County since 2003, showcased trust in Sawyer by endorsing him, saying he had the right blend of experience and personality needed for the role.

Collective Celebrations

As Sawyer cheers rang out in Graniteville, other officials also took a moment to soak in the victories of the night. The unopposed Republicans reelected to their Aiken County positions included Tonya Marchant (probate judge), Robert Harte (clerk of court), Darryl Ables (coroner), Charles Barton (auditor), Jason Goings (treasurer), and Julie Stutts (register of deeds). The excitement didn’t stop there, as Bill Weeks also snagged another term as solicitor for the Second Judicial District, comprising Aiken, Bamberg, and Barnwell counties.

Weathering the Storm

While local politics saw celebrations, Mother Nature didn’t hold back either! Residents were greeted with a foggy morning that turned into a rainy afternoon. With a high of 78°F and winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph, a 100% chance of rain meant umbrellas were a must! The forecast warned of potential localized flooding, with rainfall expected to reach between 1 to 2 inches.

Looking Forward

As Graniteville adjusts to the new leadership, there’s a simmering excitement for what the future holds under Sheriff Marty Sawyer. With his commitment to community safety and law enforcement, residents are hopeful for a promising chapter ahead.

Here’s to new beginnings, Graniteville! Stay safe, stay dry, and let’s see what our new sheriff has in store!