DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – Democratic primaries in the Pee Dee last night likely decided several sheriffs’ races.
With no expected opposition in November, there will be at least four new sheriffs in the Pee Dee.
That includes Darlington County where incumbent Wayne Byrd lost by six percentage points to tony Chavis.
“Well I truly care about the citizens of Darlington County. This seat isn’t about Tony Chavis, it’s about the citizens of Darlington County,” said Chavis.
For nearly 30 years Chavis has been a part of law enforcement, first with the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, followed by most recently with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Soon, he will fill the role held by current sheriff, Wayne Byrd.
“It’s bringing the community, community leaders together and working with the sheriff’s department to combat our issues with the county,” Chavis stated.
In his first 100 days in office, Chavis says he wants establish a citizen’s advisory council to rebuild trust between the community and law enforcement.
“That’s made up of at least 12-16 local leaders…business leaders, local leaders, community leader, our local ministers and we are all going to come together,” he explained.
I just want people to know that Tony Chavis is here. I’m your sheriff and I’m here for you,” Chavis added.
Once Chavis is officially named the winner in November, he will step into his new role as sheriff starting January 1st.
He says between now and January he plans to put the citizen’s advisory council in place and work to hire more people once he’s in office.