Clarendon County, SC (WLTX) - Residents in Clarendon County will be getting a new sheriff.
Tim Baxley beat out seven-year incumbent Sheriff Randy Garrett Tuesday for the Democratic nomination.
There are no Republicans on the ballot so unless there is a massive write in campaign Baxley will be the new sheriff in town.
“People wanted a change,” the sheriff elect said. “We have a lot of drug and property crime that happens within the county and I think they’re mostly directly related, and I just want to work on those things for the citizens and I want to feel safe and secure.”
Baxley wanted to make a difference and residents we spoke with say they want the same.
“I’d like to see all the warrants cleaned up,” Harlan Bruce Sterrett explained.
“More support around town with sheriff deputy cars protecting our schools, protecting our county stores, not just being on the interstate riding up and down,” Lily Bryant said.
Baxley left his job as captain of staff operations at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to run.
He started his career in law enforcement as a state trooper in Clarendon County, and also worked for SLED Narcotics.
He says he will use his more than 30 years of law enforcement experience.
“I want to create a more community based sheriff’s office. I want more officer presence throughout the county. I want them in the rural neighborhoods. I want them riding around,.I want people to be able to see them, I want them to interact with them,” Baxley said. “I’m really big on youth programs. I want to come up with some youth programs for all over the county.”
Current Sheriff Randy Garrett tells WLTX that he's congratulated Baxley and will help him make a smooth transition.
“The voters have spoken," Garrett said.
Garrett took office in 2009 and said he is proud of the work he’s done and that he will help Baxley have a smooth transition.
Baxley will take over in January.
“I will be a visible working sheriff that will be involved in a lot of things, personally,” Baxley said.