Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott named 2021 SC Sheriff of the Year

Sheriff Leon Lott
Courtesy: Richland County Sheriff’s Department

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Thursday morning, the The Richland County Sheriff’s Department announced that Sheriff Leon Lott was selected as the 2021 South Carolina Sheriff of the Year by the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association. This is Sheriff Lott’s second time winning the award, having also won in 2004.

Lott was nominated by several sheriff’s including Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers, Jr. Sheriff Summers and others voiced their support for Sheriff Lott, saying “during his 24 years in Office, Sheriff Lott’s extraordinary vision and creativity have enhanced the public trust of citizens and belief in legitimacy for his department.” The sheriffs went on to say, “Sheriff Lott’s life and career have centered on serving others and he is certainly worthy of recognition as Sheriff of the Year.” South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also wrote, “South Carolina is a safer place today because of Sheriff Lott’s strong leadership and collaborative efforts.”

Sheriff Lott will be formally presented the award at the SC Sheriff’s Association’s Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach in July. Additionally, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department says Moseley Architects will present Lott with a check for $1,000 to go to the Richland County Sheriff’s Foundation. Representative for Moseley Architects Todd Davis, said, “Arguably, there has never been a time in our nation’s history when we have needed strong, innovative leaders in law enforcement more than we do today. We need law enforcement executives that will stand for the rule of law while simultaneously recognizing and respecting the value of diversity. Sheriff Lott does exactly that. Moseley Architects is proud to sponsor this award and issue our heartfelt congratulations to Sheriff Lott on a job well done!”

With over 40 years of experience in law enforcement, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department says Lott is on his seventh term as the county’s sheriff, after first taking on the role in 1997. The department says Lott helped launch and oversee several programs and initiatives to help build trust and help out in the community such as project H.O.P.E., the Community Action Team and launching the PEACE Officer identity program.

Back in March, Sheriff Lott was also named National Sheriff of the Year 2021, by the National Sheriff’s Association.