Richland County Sheriff receives prestigious award

Lott is one of two 2026 recipients of the Columbia Urban League’s President’s Award

By W. Thomas Smith Jr.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott was presented the Columbia Urban League’s President’s award during ceremonies at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Tuesday, Nov. 10.

“This is an honor of which I am tremendously grateful and humbled,” said Lott, whose myriad awards, honors, and recognitions over the years have included National Sheriff of the Year (2021), two state Sheriff of the Year awards, and – more recently – his 2025 induction into the S.C. Military Veterans Hall of Fame. “This award from the Columbia Urban League is really more of a reflection of the unwavering ‘Unity in the Community’ culture we have fostered here within the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and our relationships with the diverse communities we serve.”

According to the Columbia Urban League: “The President’s award is part of the League’s signature recognition programs, honoring individuals who exemplify leadership in public service, mentorship and community development. It is often tied to the League’s broader mission of fostering opportunity and resilience across the midlands.”

Sheriff Lott’s award recognizes and celebrates “his longstanding public service leadership in law enforcement and commitment to community development, aligning with the league’s mission to honor and empower underserved individuals” read a portion of the accompanying citation.

The recognition further stipulated Lott’s recognition was based on his personal education and career path: Specifically, his graduation from the University of South Carolina-Aiken “where he also played baseball,” his 35 years in-law enforcement and public service, his mentorship, leadership, and commitment to creating opportunities for youth and communities. The award citation also referenced Lott’s “balancing law enforcement with community engagement.”

A Nov. 4 post on The Columbia Urban League’s Facebook page added: “Lott is being recognized for his commitment to combating crime, strengthening public safety, and advancing community-based crime prevention efforts. Through his dedication to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, he promotes collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility. His commitment reflects the values of service, partnership, and community empowerment championed by the Columbia Urban League.”

Lott was one of two recipients of the prestigious President’s award. The second recipient being South Carolina Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan, head of the gubernatorially established S.C. Office of Resilience.

The President’s award ceremony was part of the Columbia Urban League’s 59th annual Fund Campaign Dinner.

– For more information about the Columbia Urban League, please visit https://culsc.org/.

Pictured is Sheriff Lott with Derrick Meggie, director of State Government and Community Relations at the University of South Carolina.