Newberry Hosts Sheriff Lee Foster’s Oath of Office Ceremony

News Summary

The town of Newberry will host a ceremony on January 7 for Sheriff Lee Foster to take his oath of office for the tenth consecutive term. This event will celebrate the sheriff’s lengthy career, community support, and oath-taking for his deputies. Sheriff Foster, the longest-serving sheriff in South Carolina, emphasizes empathy and has made significant moves to enhance operational capabilities with recent funding for technology upgrades in law enforcement.

Newberry Welcomes Sheriff Lee Foster for His Oath of Office

The charming town of Newberry is gearing up for an exciting event this Tuesday, January 7, at 4 p.m., as Sheriff Lee Foster prepares to take his oath of office for the tenth time! Yes, you heard that right—this dedicated sheriff is kicking off his 10th consecutive four-year term in an impressive career that has spanned over three decades.

Where the Ceremony is Happening

The ceremony will take place at the Drill Hall located at 550 Wilson Road, right in the heart of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. It is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and show their support, as not only will Sheriff Foster be taking his oath, but his deputies will also be sworn in at the same time. It promises to be a heartfelt event celebrated by many.

A Legacy of Service

First elected back in 1989, Sheriff Foster holds the title of being the longest-serving sheriff in South Carolina. His journey in law enforcement began way back in 1973, working as a Junior Police Officer and then a part-time officer in the small town of Prosperity. He worked his way up, serving as Chief of the Little Mountain Police Department from 1978 to 1979, before becoming a vital part of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office between 1979 and 1984. His ascension through the ranks culminated in him becoming Captain of the Patrol and Investigation Divisions.

Award-Winning Leadership

Over the years, Sheriff Foster has earned numerous accolades that speak volumes about his commitment and skill as a sheriff. He has received the prestigious Order of the Palmetto and the United States Attorney General’s Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement, among others. Just this past July, he was honored once more as the state’s Sheriff of the Year during the 2024 Sheriffs’ Association annual conference, showing that his peers regard him highly.

Empathy at the Core of Law Enforcement

In his many roles, Sheriff Foster has placed a huge emphasis on treating individuals with empathy and paying serious attention to their concerns. His goals for the upcoming term include not only protecting the community but also ensuring that his deputies receive the best training to handle the increasing challenges they face on the job.

Investing in Technology

On that note, deputies will benefit from substantial advancements in their operational resources, thanks to a recent $1 million investment from the state budget. This funding will go towards upgrading technology at the Newberry County Detention Center and obtaining a new bulletproof, all-terrain vehicle. With rising incidents involving armed suspects since early 2023, having advanced technology is crucial for public safety in this small, rural county.

The Future Looks Bright

The new bulletproof vehicle will play a key role in providing enhanced cover for tactical team officers during high-risk situations, ensuring they can do their jobs as safely as possible. Meanwhile, some of the funds will also be directed towards improving camera systems within the detention center, enhancing the safety of both inmates and guards alike. Sheriff Foster anticipates that the new vehicle will be operational by Summer 2025 while the tech upgrades at the detention center will be completed much sooner.

A Community Stronger Together

The people of Newberry can take pride in a leader like Sheriff Foster, whose extensive experience and commitment to public safety are evident. As the oath-taking day approaches, the community is encouraged to come out, show support, and celebrate the ongoing efforts in keeping their town safe for everyone.