Carl Anderson Named One of Tri-County’s Faces of the Decades

ANDERSON, SC – May 8, 2012 – Some call him chief, others still call him judge.  But longtime Anderson County Chief Magistrate Carl Anderson, who now serves as chief deputy at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, modestly says, “I tell people just call me Carl.”   

Tri-County Technical College recognizes him as one of its outstanding graduates and named him one of its Faces of the Decades as part of Tri-County’s 50th anniversary celebration. 

An outstanding alumnus from each decade (1960s – 2000s) was recognized by President Ronnie L. Booth at the May 7 spring commencement.    

Anderson, a 1976 graduate of the Criminal Justice program, began his career as a road patrol officer but spent most of his tenure as chief homicide investigator for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.     

“I love investigating.  I’m a thinker and an observer.  I’m not a big talker,” said Anderson, adding that he never raises his voice in his work.  “If you use the right approach, you won’t have any problems.”   

In 1989 he moved to summary court where he was chief magistrate for 11 years.  He retired in 2000 and opened a private investigation business.  At the urging of Sheriff John Skipper, in 2008, he returned to his roots, and serves as chief deputy and second in command at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.    

“I had worked with Sheriff Skipper when I was magistrate and had a good relationship with him. When he ran and won, he asked if I would come back and I said yes.  I felt I could give something back to the department.  I enjoy mentoring young officers.”   

Things – specifically technology —  have changed since he began as a road patrol officers in 1970. 

“We had three cars to a shift and 30 officers total.  Today there are close to 250 sworn officers and 15 officers on road patrol per shift,” he said.    Another change is most officers have College degrees, many of whom have graduated from Tri-County. 

“I didn’t have a degree when I started. Very few officers did back then,” said Anderson, who was in college with fellow officers, including the late David Crenshaw.  “We were among the first to earn degrees.  Back then they gave you a badge, a gun and a car when you were hired.” 

He attended the Police Academy in Columbia for four weeks and returned to work, initially riding with an experienced officer. 

Today a degree is preferred in law enforcement and many have master’s degrees, said Anderson who served on Tri-County’s Criminal Justice advisory committee for years.      

The principles don’t change, but the methods certainly have, he said. 

“Technology is huge in solving crimes today.  I remember when we didn’t have computers or cell phones and didn’t even have walkie talkies.  We finally got beepers. The mode of communication then was a car radio or a pay phone.”    

Anderson continues to enjoy the challenges and the changes of the job.  “It’s never the same day,” he said.     

One day that truly stands out in his mind is February 15, 2011 —   the day Anderson County Council dedicated the Anderson County Law Enforcement Center in his honor. The plaque on the building reads, “The Anderson County Law Enforcement Center is named as a lasting tribute honoring Carl Anderson for his selfless dedication to duty, relentless pursuit of justice and passion to serve and protect the residents of Anderson County.”   

Naming the building as tribute to Anderson was the idea of Anderson County Council member Gracie Floyd, a friend of Anderson’s since 1969. It was a unanimous decision by county council.

“He is a man with history and impact in Anderson County. It was a fitting tribute to him.  He certainly earned it,” said Mrs. Floyd.  “Carl is loyal and soft spoken and I like his presence.  He cares about people and is always wiling to help.”     

“I’m very humbled and honored by these accolades, but I’m very modest and down to earth,” said Anderson.  “I’m a country boy raised on a farm.  You can still see me on the tractor at home on the weekends. If you had told me back when I was a student at Tri-County that I would receive these honors, I wouldn’t believe it.  I would never have dreamed it would have turned out like it did.”     

Anderson lives in Pendleton with his wife, Etta.