Aiken County to Welcome New Sheriff in January
In an exciting turn of events for the people of Aiken County, South Carolina, a fresh face will be taking over the reins of the sheriff’s office starting January 7, 2025. Marty Sawyer has emerged as the victor in the recent election, overcoming challenger Lucas Grant with an impressive 64% of the vote. Grant secured 37%, marking a significant success for Sawyer as he steps into this pivotal role following Michael Hunt‘s decision to retire at the end of this year.
Building a Bright Future
Marty Sawyer isn’t new to the law enforcement scene; he’s bringing a wealth of experience with him to the job, boasting an impressive 34 and a half years in law enforcement. His journey began early at the age of 16 when he volunteered as a firefighter. This extensive background has given him a unique perspective on public safety and community service.
As Sheriff-Elect, Sawyer shared his vision for the future of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. “I’ll be putting a command staff together and interviewing people, talking to people, and deciding where I want to put people,” he said, emphasizing a collaborative approach to law enforcement. His aim is to have everyone working together towards a common goal, setting the sheriff’s office on a personalized path reflective of his vision.
Community Engagement at Its Core
One of Sawyer’s immediate priorities is enhancing police visibility, particularly in the more rural areas of the county. His experiences have shown him that residents in places like Windsor, New Holland, Jackson, and Beach Island feel they seldom see police cars on their streets. “Visibility deters crime,” he emphasized. “You can’t put a number on it, but it does.”
Moreover, Sawyer plans to tackle pressing issues, such as the rising concerns surrounding fentanyl and violent crime, as well as focusing on school safety. An essential part of his approach includes increasing the number of school resource officers (SROs) in Aiken County schools, ensuring that the safety of students remains a top priority.
Inviting Citizens to the Table
To further his commitment to community engagement, Sawyer is advocating for the creation of a citizens’ advisory board. This initiative invites citizens from across the county to come together—either once a month or quarterly—to discuss local issues. “We want to talk about the problems on each end of the county and in different towns,” he explained. He believes that sharing ideas and solutions will only strengthen the community’s efforts to address challenges that affect them all.
A Humble Commitment to Service
Sawyer’s approach is rooted in humility and a strong sense of responsibility. “I’m humbled by the people of Aiken County trusting me to run the sheriff’s office,” he stated. His mission is clear: to elevate the sheriff’s office and ensure that it becomes one of the best in the state.
As the countdown to January 7 begins, the residents of Aiken County can look forward to the strong leadership and community-focused initiatives that Marty Sawyer plans to bring. With an emphasis on teamwork, transparency, and increased visibility, the sheriff’s office is poised for a exciting new chapter.
