Jay Koon Takes Oath as New Lexington County Sheriff

[gtxvideo vid=”0wp2AEhp” playlist=”” pid=”rkijshg2″ thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/0wp2AEhp.jpg” vtitle=”Sheriff Koon Sworn In”]

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — After more than four decades, there is officially a new elected sheriff in Lexington County. Jay Koon was sworn into office Friday afternoon in front of his family and several supporters. “This opportunity that the citizens of Lexington County has blessed me with is just very exciting,” said Sheriff Jay Koon. Jay Koon is the former Assistant Police Chief in the town of Lexington and he has served more than 20 years with the Lexington Police Department. He said his priority as the new Sheriff is on the people of Lexington. “We’re going to get our staff together and we‘re going to reflect the mission of continuing the work Sheriff McCarty started in June, getting back to the basics serving our citizens who are our customers and that‘s gonna be the focus,” said Sheriff Koon. Sheriff Koon took the oath in front of a crowd full of family, supporters, and other law enforcement officials. Many who said he has what it takes to serve Lexington County the right way. “He‘s got a good education he‘s got a good personality, he‘s got both feet planted firmly on the ground, he knows what to do and he knows how to do it ,” said Former Sheriff Lewis McCarty. “He brings courage, he brings intelligence, he brings trustworthiness, Jay will be one of the top sheriffs in the state,” said Donnie Myers, 5th circuit solicitor. For the one person who has known him the longest, this is a day of joy and pride. “I’m happy, shedding tears,” said his mother Ruth Koon. Sheriff Koon is the 39th Sheriff of Lexington County. He will serve until 2016 for this term.