Sam Richardson has made history by becoming Dorchester County’s new sheriff. He is the first Black Republican to hold this role in South Carolina. After securing 63.6% of the vote, Richardson will take over from L.C. Knight, the county’s former sheriff who served for four terms.
Richardson’s victory marks a major milestone for the county, as it also brings a fresh leadership change after 15 years. He ran against Democrat Charles Frederick III, who conceded defeat after Richardson’s commanding lead in the unofficial results.
Richardson’s Path to Sheriff
Richardson’s career in law enforcement spans over two decades. He started as a deputy sheriff and worked his way up through the ranks to become the chief deputy in 2009. With 21 years of experience at the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Richardson is no stranger to the demands of the job.
“I’m elated for the opportunity to serve Dorchester County,” Richardson shared with The Post and Courier. “This is where I started my career, and now, I have the chance to protect the community I love.”
Richardson’s deep ties to the community, alongside his career achievements, make him a well-qualified candidate. His dedication to public service and his vision for the future earned him the trust of voters across the county.
A Focus on Community Safety and Technology
During his campaign, Richardson highlighted four main priorities: improving investigations with advanced technology, restructuring the sheriff’s office for better efficiency, increasing neighborhood patrols, and focusing on reducing violent crime.
Richardson aims to revamp the way the sheriff’s office operates to ensure more officers are out on the streets rather than in offices. He also emphasized the importance of community relations, promising to form an advisory council to listen to residents and restart the sheriff’s Citizen’s Police Academy.
Military Service and Leadership
In addition to his law enforcement career, Richardson has a strong military background. He served for 30 years in the Army Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. This experience, combined with his leadership in the sheriff’s office, has shaped his approach to law enforcement and community service.
“I feel honored to serve as the first Black Republican sheriff in the state,” he said. “However, my goal is to be the best sheriff for every resident of Dorchester County.”
A New Chapter for Dorchester County
Richardson’s election represents a new chapter for the county, one that promises fresh leadership and a commitment to both modernizing the sheriff’s office and enhancing community safety.
His long career in law enforcement, military service, and focus on improving neighborhood safety have made him a strong contender. As the first Black Republican sheriff in South Carolina, Richardson is already setting the stage for his term to be marked by progress and positive change.
