Sheriff Timothy "Tim" Baxley was officially sworn in for his third term as Sheriff of Clarendon County during a ceremony held on January 7 at the Clarendon County Courthouse. Surrounded by colleagues, family, and community members, Baxley reaffirmed his commitment to serving the citizens of Clarendon County with integrity and dedication.
The ceremony began with an invocation that included gratitude for the sheriff’s leadership and sought blessings for the department and community. Judge R. Ferrell Cothran, who has presided over each of Baxley’s oath-taking ceremonies since his initial swearing-in in 2017, administered the oath of office.
“I’m blessed. There’s no doubt I’ve got a great group,” Baxley said during his remarks. “This is a great county to live in, and we’ve got great people that we work with. It’s been an honor for me to serve.”
Honoring outstanding deputies
During the ceremony, Baxley recognized several deputies for their exceptional contributions to the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office and the community.
Captain Matthew Stone was named Deputy of the Year for 2024, a recognition of his unwavering dedication to the department. “He’s all about the sheriff’s office, all about law enforcement, all about doing what’s right,” Baxley said of Stone. “He’s a vital part of this operation, and I lean on him a lot. He makes split-second decisions that are almost always the right ones, and he’s a man of God and a team player. He’s an asset not just to the sheriff’s department but to the entire county.”
Deputies Casey Connors and Marshall Taylor were presented the Above and Beyond Award for their tireless work in animal control and litter enforcement. Since July, the pair have handled 1,830 animal control complaints, transported 594 canines, issued 51 summonses, and 105 warnings. Additionally, they investigated 132 litter complaints, issued 17 citations, and wrote 2,034 warnings for litter violations.
“These two are a team, and they work tirelessly,” Baxley said. “They’re constantly on the move, responding to calls from early morning to late at night. They’ve even managed to combine their duties on the lake with their animal control responsibilities. They do all of this without complaint, and their work ethic is unmatched.”
Baxley also spoke regarding their role in maintaining order on the lake, particularly in areas prone to overcrowding and complaints, such as the sandbar near the Wild Oak subdivision. Deputies Connors and Taylor logged 232 boat patrol hours since July, often juggling multiple responsibilities to address community concerns. “They’re always ready to step in, whether it’s an animal control issue, litter enforcement, or an emergency call. Their dedication is truly above and beyond.”
Commitment to staff and community
Baxley expressed his gratitude to the deputies and staff who have supported his vision, noting their role in the department’s progress since 2017. He also reaffirmed his promise to advocate for increased pay for his staff, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. “I know you can’t eat plaques or thank-yous, but you can eat groceries,” he said, pledging to push for pay raises to match neighboring counties.
In his speech, Baxley reflected on the challenges and triumphs of his tenure, confirming his commitment to collaboration with other county officials and departments. “We have come a long way, and it isn’t me—it’s we,” he said. “I love serving Clarendon County, and I’m going to continue to do what’s best for this county and its people.”
A legacy of service
Baxley’s swearing-in marks the continuation of a nearly four-decade-long career in law enforcement. Born in Charleston and raised in Barnwell, he began his career as a South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper in 1985 and later served in the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), where he specialized in evidence recovery and rose to the rank of Captain. After retiring from SCDNR in 2016, he was first elected sheriff in 2017.
In addition to his local leadership, Baxley was elected President of the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association in July 2024, further cementing his role as a leader in law enforcement across the state.
Baxley is married to Helen Powell Baxley, and together they have five children. A devoted family man and community member, he credits his faith and family as cornerstones of his life and leadership.
The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation from both the attendees and deputies, affirming their support for Baxley’s continued leadership. “I thank everyone who gave me the opportunity to serve as sheriff,” he said. “It’s been a blessing, and I look forward to continuing to serve this county with everything I have.”