A senate RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor sheriff bryan "Jay" Koon OF LEXINGTON COUNTY FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BEING NAMED THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION SHERIFF OF THE YEAR.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that Lexington County Sheriff Bryan "Jay" Koon was selected as 2023 Sheriff of the Year by the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association; and

 

Whereas, nominated by Berkeley County Sheriff S. Duane Lewis for his professionalism, innovation, and community-minded law enforcement, Sheriff Koon has served Lexington County as sheriff since 2015; and

 

Whereas, Jay Koon has always known what is important to him, including his career path. An Eagle Scout and a graduate of the University of South Carolina in criminal justice, as well as a graduate of the FBI National Academy and FBI National Executive Institute, Jay began his law enforcement career almost thirty years ago as a reserve officer. He took up his duties as a police officer with the Town of Lexington, was expeditiously promoted, and ended his time there as assistant chief of police; and

 

Whereas, since his election as Lexington County sheriff, Jay has creatively enhanced the Lexington County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) with his leadership. Under Jay's direction, the LCSO has hired specialists in combating gangs and sexually violent predators and now also has a robust social media presence, with active accounts on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and lnstagram. In addition, Jay finds interesting ways to raise community awareness of LCSO and makes himself relatable and approachable. For example, he won the 2022 Boiled Peanut Eating Championship at the South Carolina State Fair and has a column in The Cayce-West Columbia News; and

 

Whereas, the recipient of the 2022 Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement, bestowed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, Jay implemented a county-wide Mobile Field Force Team, installed a Body Camera Program, deployed Narcan for all patrol deputies, and teamed with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health to start a Mobile Crisis Response Team. He also is active in several professional organizations; and

 

Whereas, his strongest quality as sheriff is his focus on his community, in ways both large and small. He has strengthened the relationship between the various Lexington County school districts and LCSO through quick response times, interagency training, and an increased number of dedicated school resource officers. Jay was a very early proponent of the community policing style and implements the same in his agency today. Moreover, he has been a coach to many a baseball player and leader to many a Scout. He makes himself available to listen to other law enforcement officers dealing with delicate law enforcement dilemmas and can be counted on for solid, nuanced advice; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate takes great pleasure in saluting Sheriff Koon for his many years of public service to the citizens of Lexington County and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Sheriff Bryan "Jay" Koon of Lexington County for his outstanding career in law enforcement and congratulate him on being named the 2023 South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Sheriff of the Year.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sheriff Jay Koon.

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