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New Exhibit Showcases History Of The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office

MONCKS CORNER, SC -On Thursday, the community officially celebrated the grand opening of the new Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office exhibit.

The exhibit tells the story of county law enforcement from the days of the first Berkeley Sheriff through the 1980’s. The county jail and the challenge of combating illegal moonshiners are part of the bigger picture of early to late 20th century Berkeley County.

“If you’ve not been, the Berkeley County Museum has a lot of really neat artifacts from the historical days in Berkeley County – it is worth a visit,” stated Chief Mike Cochran with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.

Five-year-old Sullivan Cole says one day he wants to work in law enforcement, and he thinks the new sheriff’s office exhibit at the Berkeley County Museum is a must-see. The display features antique guns, old uniforms, crime scene tools, jail cell equipment, and visitors learn all about the history of the department.

“It is cool!” said Sullivan Cole of Moncks Corner.

Museum Executive Director Michael Coker shows Sullivan Cole and Liam historic crime scene tools used by sheriff’s deputies.

Museum Executive Director Michael Coker says this exhibit features dozens and dozens of historic artifacts of significance to the sheriff’s office and Berkeley County Jail. The museum hosted a grand opening to let everyone know they can come visit and learn all about this part of county history.

The history of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office exhibit is now complete. You can check it out at the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center.

“We are immensely proud. This is months of effort, work, going into the community working with people trying to get this collection. We are very proud of the work the Berkeley County Sherriff’s Office has given the county, and this is a small way of giving back to them,” Coker said.

Museum Executive Director Michael Coker pictured with two volunteers who helped plan the exhibit.

History buff, former law enforcement officer, and State Constable Danny Crooks was part of the exhibit planning team. He talked about part of the exhibit featuring moonshine, an illegal liquor dating back to Colonial times, which people continued to make throughout the years at their homes in Berkeley County. “Probably the biggest challenge to every sheriff in Berkeley County has been illegal liquor,” Crooks said.

Crooks says that illegal moonshiners would outrun deputies and constables throughout history, and then for fun on the weekends they would race each other, which eventually lead to the birth of NASCAR racing.

Thirteen sheriffs have served in Berkeley County throughout the years.

Current Sheriff Duane Lewis spoke to visitors during the grand opening event. His picture is featured next to 13 other sheriffs to serve the county. He had the idea and helped create the project.

Sheriff Duane Lewis speaks to museum visitors during the grand opening of the exhibit.

“On a scale of one to ten, I rate this 11,” said Crooks. “We got cooperation from the community, retired officers, the families of officers, and folks who have a genuine interest in history.”

The exhibit shows deputy uniforms in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
One letter shows the cost of a Chevrolet car used by the sheriff’s office cost $100 back in 1929.
An old ball and chain was donated by a former SC law enforcement agent.
Prisoners were allowed to read the Bible, but the book was also used as a method to transport contraband.

The Berkeley County Muesum and Heritage Center is located at the Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner. Museum tours are included with your park entrance fee of $3/person and it is open Monday – Saturday 9am – 4:30pm and Sunday 1pm – 4:30pm.

The Sheriff’s Office also runs the Berkeley County Jail, also known as the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.
Museum Director Mike Coker explains the longest serving Sheriff served 30 years.
The exhibit features a tribute to Berkeley County Sheriff’s Deputies killed in the line of duty.
Nicole Johnson Shealy

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