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Born in Laurens, South Carolina, in 1968, Sheriff Ricky W.
Chastain attended Faith Christian School and graduated as Salutatorian in May
1986. He is currently attending Piedmont Technical College completing the
requirements of an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.
At the age of 21, Sheriff Chastain came to the Laurens County
Sheriff’s Office in 1990 as a jailor. He advanced thereafter to various
positions, including Patrol Officer, Patrol Officer Supervisor, Captain of
Training Division, Captain of Community Services Division, Reserve Deputy
Coordinator, and State Law Enforcement Accreditation Manager. He graduated
from Basic Laws School with honors in 1991. He graduated from Basic Jail
School with honors in 1998. Graduate from Newly Elected Sheriff’s School
in December 2000. Most recently, Sheriff Chastain graduated from the
prestigious National Sheriff’s Institute.
On January 4, 2000, as a result of the tireless eighteen
month process performed by Sheriff Chastain while serving in his capacity as
Accreditation Manager, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office was recognized as the
first state agency to be accredited by SCLEA.
Six months later, still riding the wave of enthusiasm created
by the SCLEA award, Sheriff Chastain made a successful run for Sheriff of
Laurens County. Upon taking office, Sheriff Chastain immediately turned the
direction of the Office to Community Oriented Policing. The success that
the Office has had in the community since that time can measured by the civic
and community oriented boards and committees that have asked for Sheriff
Chastain’s participation, to wit:
- Rossie Walker Masonic Lodge 354, Laurens
- Laurens County Shrine Club, Board of Directors
- Joanna Lions Club
- Broad Street Methodist Church, Clinton.
- Safe Home, Board of Directors
- Criminal justice Advisory Committee, Piedmont Technical College
- Piedmont Technical College, Board of Visitors
- South Carolina Sheriff’s Association, Committee Member
- National Sheriff’s Institute
- LDHS School Improvement Council
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