This Veterans Day we’re taking a moment to honor the incredible men and women who have served our country. Today, we celebrate a heartfelt story from right here at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, highlighting how one deputy’s actions truly changed a life for the better.

In a seemingly ordinary situation, Resident Deputy John Sanders responded to a shoplifting call at a local grocery store. What could have been a routine arrest turned into something far more significant. The young man involved, 18-year-old Brian Gilbert, had stolen out of desperation. Homeless and struggling to find food, he was in a bind that seemed impossible to escape.

“It all started with a call of service at the grocery store,” Sanders said. “Later, when I followed up with him, he explained his situation—he was homeless, living in a tent and didn’t have a job.”

For many, this might have seemed like the end of the story—a criminal charge and a future filled with uncertainty. But Deputy Sanders looked beyond the shoplifting charge. He saw a person in front of him who needed more than just punishment; he needed a lifeline.

As a United States Army Reservist, Sanders knew the structure, discipline and support the military could provide. It was this understanding that led him to suggest an unexpected solution to Gilbert.

“From my experience with the military, you’re fed, you get a place to sleep, and you get paid for it. Knowing the Marines, they have a quick turnaround time from when you sign your contract to when you head off to basic training,” Sanders said. 

Gilbert, having hit rock bottom, was ready to turn his life around. With Sanders’ guidance, he met with Marine Corps Recruiter Brent Latham, who immediately saw potential in the young man.

“I wasn’t trying to recruit Private Gilbert. I wanted to give him an opportunity to do something with his life,” Latham said. “It took one phone call from a deputy to a Marine Corps recruiter to take someone from a terrible situation and put him on the road to success.”

That one phone call, sparked by a deputy’s genuine care for his community, transformed Gilbert’s life. He embraced the challenge of the Marines, worked hard, and eventually completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina.

The bond between Gilbert, Sanders and Latham didn’t stop there. At Gilbert’s Marine graduation, both Sanders and Latham beamed with pride as they celebrated not just a milestone, but the incredible transformation of a young man who had fought so hard to change his life.

“When I saw [Gilbert] at graduation, it’s just so impactful that you literally took a young man that was struggling and now he’s on a road to success,” Latham said. “I saw Sanders at graduation and shook his hand and told him, ‘This is because of you.’”

Gilbert, now a proud Marine, says Deputy Sanders gave him the chance to completely turn his life around. Thanks to that opportunity, he’s found a career he’s passionate about, and their bond is still going strong. Sanders continues to be a rock for Gilbert, offering support and guidance every step of the way.

“I talk to Sanders all the time. He’s really honest and straightforward with it… and gives me an honest opinion on things,” Gilbert said. “There are resources, you really just have to put your pride aside and ask for help.”

LCSD shares this story as a testament to the commitment and compassion our officers have for the people they serve. It’s about more than enforcing laws—it’s about changing lives. Sanders’ intervention didn’t just help Gilbert avoid further hardship, but it set him on a path toward a meaningful career and a brighter future.

Law enforcement isn’t just about protecting—it’s about serving. The men and women of LCSD care deeply for the community, and they work tirelessly to make a real difference in the lives of those they encounter.

If you’re a veteran or someone who wants to serve your community with the same dedication and compassion, LCSD is always looking for people like you to join our team. Our officers come from all walks of life, bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to their work. Whether you have military experience or not, if you’re committed to protecting, serving and uplifting the Lexington community, there’s a place for you at LCSD.

One phone call changed a life. Imagine what you could do as a part of the LCSD team.

To watch the video version of this story, click here.

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