Sonny Ledda Retires as Clinton Police Chief, Begins New Role as Laurens County Emergency Management Director
October 6, 2024
On Friday at 3:15 PM, Chief Sonny Ledda made his final call with the City of Clinton, marking the end of a 25+ year law enforcement career and the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Having announced his retirement just weeks earlier, Ledda is now stepping into the role of Director of Laurens County Emergency Management, a position he will officially assume on October 15th, 2024.
In an unexpected twist, just as Ledda prepares to transition into his new role, Hurricane Helene devastated Laurens County, leaving behind significant destruction. With over 50% of the county still without power (at the time of publishing), crews are working tirelessly to restore essential services like electricity, food, and water. As Director of Emergency Management, Ledda will be a welcomed addition to the team and their ongoing recovery efforts and future disaster preparedness.
Ledda’s extensive background in law enforcement and leadership makes him well-suited for this new role. His experience as Chief of Police in three South Carolina cities—Bishopville, Laurens, and Clinton—combined with his military service and education from prestigious institutions like the FBI National Academy and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, positions him as the ideal leader for Laurens County’s Emergency Management team.
Reflecting on Ledda’s impact, Clinton Mayor Randy Randall stated, “Chief Ledda has been a cornerstone of our community for years. His leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public safety have made a lasting difference in the lives of our citizens. While we will miss him here in Clinton, we know Laurens County is gaining a remarkable leader. We wish him the best in this next chapter.”
Ledda himself expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying, “After a rewarding and fulfilling 25-year law enforcement career, I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Laurens County as the next Director of Laurens County Emergency Management. I am grateful to Laurens County Council and Laurens County Administration for entrusting me to be a member of the EMA team!”
As Laurens County continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, Ledda will work closely with the team already in place, alongside County Administrator Thomas Higgs, to support ongoing recovery efforts and enhance emergency preparedness for the future.
Photo source: City of Clinton Facebook page
