Sunday officially marked the beginning of a new era in Darlington County as Wayne Byrd was sworn in as the county’s next sheriff.
“The election is over and it’s time to get to work,” Byrd said after the ceremony at the Darlington County Courthouse that was attended by more than 100 people. “The sheriff represents everyone, regardless of who they supported during the election.
“We’re going to work for all the citizens of Darlington County.”
Byrd’s first day as sheriff will begin Tuesday.
During the ceremony, Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee, who presided, and former Gov. David Beasley encouraged Byrd to “do the right thing” regardless of what it will mean for his career.
“Public service is the most honorable profession you can choose,” Hardee said. “I learned a lesson a long time ago from a dear friend of mine ... (that) you must always do what’s right regardless of your political consequences.
“You always do the right thing,” he said. “You do it regardless of what it costs you.”
Byrd will be the county’s 36th sheriff, Hardee said.
Byrd said he never thought about becoming sheriff when he was growing up or even when he first started the police force, but is looking forward to serving Darlington County.
Byrd said he is looking forward to addressing those issues highlighted during his campaign and other issues that might face Darlington County.
Some of those issues included gangs and drug activity.
Byrd decided to run for sheriff after former Sheriff Glenn Campbell announced he would not seek re-election after 24 years of service.
He defeated Chief Deputy Sheriff Tom Gainey in a special run-off election June 24.
Byrd was born in Society Hill in 1965 and is a 1984 graduate of Cheraw High School, according to his campaign Web site, http://electwayne.byrd4sheriff.com.
He received an associate’s degree from Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College (now Northeastern Technical College) before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from American Intercontinental University.
Byrd joined the Society Hill Police Department in 1987 before working for the Darlington Police Department in 1989.
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