By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Sheriff Leon Lott and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department presented 12 ‘Beanie Babies,’ one each to eight little angels and four teenage ballerina angels who performed in Northeast Presbyterian Church’s (NEPC) Christmas cantata, ‘Agnus Dei,’ Sunday, Dec. 12. “These are small tokens of our appreciationContinue Reading

By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Several new high-level promotions and leadership reorganizations were announced at the Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) earlier this month. One new chief, two majors, five captains, five lieutenants, and numerous sergeants and other deputies moved up the ranks according to a memo released by SheriffContinue Reading

By W. Thomas Smith, Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott took to the air Tues. afternoon, Oct. 27, as pilots with the Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) Aviation Unit tested and demonstrated helicopter performance capabilities all the while conducting a routine patrol operation over Richland County. Sheriff Lott (pictured here)Continue Reading

By W. Thomas Smith Jr. COLUMBIA, S.C. – Richland Reads – a partnership between the Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) and Richland Library (formerly the Richland County Public Library) – began in Sept. as an outreach initiative in which RCSD deputies are now reading children’s books to students online. ManyContinue Reading

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott was named to the board of directors of the South Carolina Black Belt Hall of Fame, Tues., Sept. 15. “Having Sheriff Lott serve on our board reflects our gratitude at the highest level for his character and commitment,” said SCBBHOF Pres. Mike Genova. “His supportContinue Reading

By Brig. Gen. (Sheriff) Leon Lott [A version of this story was published Aug. 9, 2020, in the Post & Courier] This year, the S.C. State Guard is celebrating its 350th anniversary. As a legislatively mandated all-volunteer state defense force (SDF or state militia), we are easily one of theContinue Reading