Sheriff Don Reynolds Hosts Christmas Drop-In and Announces Re-Election Campaign
December 13, 2023
Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds brought festive cheer to the Laurens County Museum on Monday, December 11, where he hosted a Christmas Drop-In event and announced his bid for re-election in 2024. The event drew a large and supportive crowd, eager to hear about the Sheriff’s accomplishments and his vision for the future.
Sheriff Reynolds, who first took office in 2017 after being elected in 2016, highlighted the significant achievements during his tenure leading the county-wide law enforcement agency. These accomplishments include advancements in technology, personnel growth, and community outreach, showcasing his commitment to making Laurens County a safer and more connected community.
Among the notable achievements under Sheriff Reynolds’ leadership are:
· the establishment of a Crime Scene Investigator unit,
· the acquisition of an AFIS machine for running fingerprint analysis in-house,
· the construction of a new evidence building equipped with cutting-edge lab facilities,
· the addition of three School Resource Officers (SROs), five personnel,
· and an increase in the number of K-9 units.
Sheriff Reynolds has also focused on improving operational efficiency, implementing tools such as Central Square, which allows deputies to seamlessly access call history and dispatch information. Moreover, the Sheriff worked with the Council to secure several pay increases for deputies, recognizing their vital role in maintaining public safety.
In response to community needs, Sheriff Reynolds expanded programs such as Christmas for Kids, introduced a Senior Citizen Program, and established a Special Needs registry. Additionally, his innovative approach includes reaching out to the younger generation through an Ice Cream van, fostering positive interactions between law enforcement and local children.
Addressing the crowd at the Christmas Drop-In, Sheriff Reynolds expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support and revealed his decision to seek re-election. “I am making the announcement to run for office again because of the requests from so many of you. It would be easy to just say my work is finished and go to the house, but I feel an obligation to all of you and the employees of this office to continue our efforts in helping this county move forward,” he stated.
Sheriff Reynolds acknowledged the evolving landscape of law enforcement and emphasized the importance of maintaining the character of those wearing the badge. He praised the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office for their dedication and emphasized the need to continue fostering a culture of integrity and service.
During his announcement, Sheriff Reynolds highlighted three critical areas of focus for the Sheriff’s Office:
1.Combatting Animal Cruelty: Laurens County leads the state in per capita arrests for animal cruelty. Recognizing the link between abused animals and vulnerable individuals, the Sheriff’s Office has prioritized this issue, making it a cornerstone of their community protection efforts.
2.Trash Cleanup Initiatives: The Sheriff’s Office has spearheaded initiatives to tackle litter and illegal dumping, removing over 300,000 pounds of trash from roadways through the use of inmate labor at no additional cost to taxpayers. Through community engagement and citations for littering, they are addressing the root problem and working to keep the county clean.
3.Community Engagement: Despite limited resources, the Sheriff’s Office has excelled in community engagement. Initiatives like the Christmas for Kids program and the Polar Patrol, providing ice cream to children, showcase the commitment to building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Sheriff Reynolds concluded, “Our resources are limited, but I will stack the work that our office does up against any other around here, whether it’s in response times, clearance rates, or whatever metric you want to measure. Facts don’t lie, and I am proud of the record we have in this county. We have accomplished so much, and I want to make sure the good work we have started will continue, and that the men and women who put it all on the line day in and day out get the support they deserve.” As Sheriff Reynolds embarks on his re-election campaign, it is clear that his commitment to public service and community welfare remains unwavering.
