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Sheriff Lee Foster Takes Oath for 10th Term in Newberry County

The Newberry County community gathers for Sheriff Lee Foster's oath of office, celebrating his commitment to public safety.

News Summary

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster is set to take his oath of office for the tenth time on January 7 at The Drill Hall. Foster, the longest-serving sheriff in South Carolina, is focused on enhancing community safety with a significant investment in new technology and equipment, including upgrades to the Newberry County Detention Center. The ceremony marks a historic milestone in his career, which started in 1989. The community also honors K-9 Officer Coba, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster Takes Oath for 10th Term

Newberry County is buzzing with excitement as Sheriff Lee Foster prepares to take his oath of office for the tenth consecutive time. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 7, at 4 p.m. when the ceremony takes place at The Drill Hall located at 550 Wilson Road in the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

A Historic Milestone

With his first election dating back to 1989, Sheriff Foster holds the title of the longest-serving sheriff in South Carolina. His commitment to law enforcement has not gone unnoticed; recently he was awarded the state’s Sheriff of the Year. This honor recognizes not just his extensive career but also his dedication to improving community safety and support.

Community Comes First

The upcoming term promises some exciting upgrades aimed at enhancing community safety. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is making it a priority to invest in new technology and equipment. Thanks to a recent $1 million budget allocation from the state, plans are underway to upgrade the Newberry County Detention Center and to add a new bulletproof all-terrain vehicle. This investment highlights the sheriff’s commitment to keeping pace with larger counties like Richland and Lexington.

Upgrades for Safety

As we move into 2024, the Sheriff’s Office is focusing on improving the safety of its officers and inmates. A major part of these upgrades will be enhancing the camera systems in the Detention Center to boost security for both staff and inmates. Additionally, the new bulletproof vehicle is expected to be operational by Summer 2025, while the much-needed technology advancements in the Detention Center could happen even sooner.

In Memory of K-9 Officer Coba

In a somber moment for law enforcement, K-9 Officer Coba, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois mix, was tragically killed while serving the community. This heartbreaking incident occurred when Coba tackled the challenge of apprehending a suspect wanted for a fugitive warrant. Unfortunately, during the operation, the suspect shot at Coba, prompting the law enforcement team to return fire. Coba had been part of the SLED since 2021, making strides as a member of both the SWAT Team and the K9 Tracking Team.

A Tribute to Dedication

Governor Henry McMaster took to social media to express his condolences, acknowledging the sacrifices made by K-9 officers and all law enforcement personnel. To honor K-9 Officer Coba’s service, a ceremony is set for June 19 at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. His passing has resonated deeply within the community, and efforts are underway to remember the bravery and dedication he displayed during his time on the force.

Recognizing Outstanding Leadership

Sheriff Foster’s recognition as Sheriff of the Year at the annual South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association conference in July 2024 reflects his unwavering commitment to his role. His nomination underscored his long career characterized by the pursuit of improvement and training in law enforcement practices. Foster emphasizes that effective law enforcement requires not just skills and knowledge, but also empathy and community support.

A Focus on Retaining Talent

As Sheriff Foster steps into his newest term, he recognizes the importance of retaining highly trained deputies to ensure the safety of Newberry County. He firmly believes that the honor of Sheriff of the Year is a recognition of the entire team’s continuous efforts and dedication to the community.

With exciting upgrades and a commitment to community safety, Newberry County looks forward to continuing its partnership with Sheriff Lee Foster. Mark January 7 on your calendar and join the community in honoring this longstanding tradition as Sheriff Foster takes another step toward enhancing the safety of all.