KINGSTREE — Williamsburg County Sheriff Kelvin Washington will be the top federal law enforcement agent in the state.
Washington, a Hemingway native, was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama in December to serve as U.S. Marshal for the District of South Carolina. The president must officially sign off on the confirmation before the position is official.
“Kelvin was an outstanding choice to serve as U.S. Marshal for South Carolina” U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said in a press release issued Friday after Washington’s confirmation. “He has a distinguished law enforcement background, and I know he will serve both the state and nation with distinction. I was proud to support his nomination.”
House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, D-S.C., echoed those sentiments.
“Today is a great day for the State of South Carolina, Williamsburg County and Kelvin Washington. I think Sheriff Washington will make an outstanding U.S. Marshal, and I look forward to him taking the office very soon,” Clyburn said in a press release. “As sheriff of Williamsburg County, Kelvin Washington has proven that he is man of the people, and an effective law enforcement officer. His talents and expertise will serve him well in this federal capacity.”
Washington will become the 11th Marshal since the merging of the districts in 1965, succeeding U.S. Marshal Johnny Mack Brown, former Greenville County sheriff who was nominated by President George W. Bush in 2002.
Established in 1789, the state was divided into two entities, the Eastern and Western districts, in 1823 after action by the U.S. Congress. In 1965, the Eastern and Western districts were once again joined and became the District of South Carolina of today.
Washington began his law enforcement career in 1990 at the Florence Police Department. He joined the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office in 1993 and was elected sheriff in 1998, running as a Democrat. He also served as president of the S.C. Sheriff’s Association for 2007-08.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from American Intercontinental University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Troy University. Washington has been an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Charleston Southern University since 2008 and has served as an adjunct professor at Horry-Georgetown Technical College since 2007, according to a press release issued earlier by the White House.
Washington lives in Hemingway with his wife, Patricia Washington, and their three children, Courtney and twins Kelvin Jr. and Kelsey.
A replacement for Washington as Williamsburg County sheriff will have to be appointed by Gov. Mark Sanford.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement