Each of the 9 candidates took to the microphone Monday, offering the following statements:
1. Rick Ollic, whose third place finish triggered an automatic recount said:
“Throughout this campaign, I’ve always said we’re better together. And today is no different. That’s why I’m supporting Duane Lewis. He has the ability to bring together law enforcement professionals, community leaders, and ordinary citizens to make Berkeley County a better place to live and raise a family.”
2. Charleston County Lieutenant and law enforcement consultant Dan Isgett said:
“At the heart of every law enforcement agency is crime prevention. I’m confident that Duane Lewis will streamline programs and reallocate resources so that more deputies are on our streets, our response times are improved, and our communities are safer.”
3. Chab Clarke, a retired SLED agent said:
“I know Duane Lewis will offer a fresh start for the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and restore the public’s trust in an agency once considered second-to-none. His ability to bring people together, his specialized command training, and his commitment to safeguarding taxpayer resources will serve the people of Berkeley County well.”
4. Charleston City Police Officer Omar Brown said:
“I am a true believer that the way in which a candidate runs a campaign, is an indicator of his or her level of leadership and professionalism. I have been assured by candidate, Duane Lewis that as our next sheriff, he’ll offer a fresh start, a new era… a sheriff’s office guided by the rule of law, honesty, integrity, and professionalism.”
5. John Waters, Police Chief for St. Stephens, said:
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The office of the Sheriff is not about the ego of one man. It is about providing a level of safety and security between the citizens who follow the rules and those who choose not to. That’s why I am here today supporting Duane Lewis, the man who can bring together the people and resources to provide the needed safety and security to the people of Berkeley County.”
6. Former Berkeley County Major Ricky Driggers said:
“I have witnessed first hand how professional the men and women of the Santee Cooper Law Enforcement Division are under Duane Lewis’ command. I feel certain Duane will implement that same professionalism in the men and woman of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and offer the citizens of Berkeley County a fresh start. It is without hesitation that I endorse Duane Lewis on being the next sheriff of Berkeley County.”
7. Marty Housand, a 22 year veteran of the SC Highway Patrol and former Police Chief of Santee, said:
“Duane Lewis is committed to building relationships and getting back to the basics of community oriented law enforcement. Just days ago, all of us here were political opponents, but today we are standing firm with Duane Lewis because he’s the consensus builder Berkeley County needs.”
8. Jerry Merrithew, a Charleston County Aviation Authority police officer and former international police task force supervisor in Afghanistan, said:
“This race has always been about what is best for the people of Berkeley County. That’s why I am endorsing Duane Lewis. Duane is the only candidate left in this race with the budgetary and staff level command experience that is so crucial for the office of sheriff.”
9. Bonneau Police Chief Frank Fuda said:
“There is only one qualified candidate left in this race. Duane Lewis has the advanced law enforcement training and experience as a state law enforcement officer to restore the honesty, integrity, and professionalism back to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.”
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