AIKEN, S.C. — The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has formed a nonprofit to support its own staff and draw closer to the residents it serves.
Sheriff Marty Sawyer said the foundation was an idea he had before taking office. He listed five aims for it: better public safety, deeper ties with community partners, youth programs, more contact with residents, and the health of officers.
Sawyer said funds would go to deputies injured on duty and their relatives, plus mental health help such as therapists for deputies after difficult calls.
The foundation lists youth and community initiatives, training and scholarships among its funding priorities. It also hopes to run a citizens’ academy each year, a nine-week course for 20 residents who would gather weekly to see what every division does, watch demonstrations and go on ride-alongs.
Outreach it may back includes holiday shopping trips with deputies, school resource officer events, a fishing rodeo in Graniteville and Special Olympics. Sawyer said he would also like to offer scholarships so children whose parents cannot afford summer camps can attend.
To get started, the agency is seeking a $38,000 grant. A yearly golf tournament is planned as a fundraiser, and gifts from residents will also be needed.
Section: More Irmo SC crime news
Filed under: Irmo SC Public Safety News
