Clarendon County Sheriff Timothy Baxley has been elected as the President of the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association (SCSA) at their annual conference held in Myrtle Beach on July 18. Sheriff Baxley, who has dedicated nearly four decades to law enforcement, expressed his gratitude and commitment in his new role.
“I am honored to take the position as President of the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association at our annual conference in Myrtle Beach,” said Baxley. “A special thank you to Judge Cothran for coming to swear me in, again.”
Sheriff Baxley’s extensive career in law enforcement began after graduating from Barnwell High School in 1981 and subsequently from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 1985. His early career included assignments as a trooper with the S.C. Highway Patrol and further training in criminal patrol and narcotics.
Baxley’s career trajectory has been marked by numerous accolades and promotions. In 1991, he was promoted to private 1st class, and in 1992, he received the District 6 Officer of the Year Award. His dedication and service have been consistently recognized, including being named one of three Law Enforcement Officers of the Year by the Clarendon County Law Enforcement Association in 1998 for his heroic act of saving a teen girl from drowning.
In 2012, Baxley was promoted to captain within the state Department of Natural Resources, where he managed staff operations, emergency management, homeland security, telecommunications, aviation, and law enforcement procurement. He retired from the department in January 2016 after 32 years of service.
In June 2016, Baxley won the Democratic Primary for the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office and was sworn in as Sheriff in January 2017.
The South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, established in 1913, provides support and training services to the 46 Sheriffs of South Carolina. It promotes public and community safety through legislative advocacy, workshops, and information sharing. The association’s services include awards recognition, law enforcement training, legislative monitoring, and an online community for sheriffs.
Baxley’s leadership is expected to further the association’s mission of supporting sheriffs and enhancing community safety across South Carolina.
