Month: February 2025

From music, to major crimes and beyond: How Sgt. Kaaren Miller found her beat in law enforcement

In Lexington County, law enforcement careers don’t always start with a traditional path. Take Sgt. Kaaren Miller, for example. Before she joined the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, she was a musician with degrees in music and a resume filled with diverse jobs. It wasn’t until a friend introduced her to law enforcement through a ride-along that everything clicked.

“After one night of pounding the streets with a bunch of cops, I realized this profession had all the different components that I had been trying to fit together,” Miller said. “It was history from there.”

Interpersonal communication, athletic skills, technical skills and listening are the foundations of a fulfilling career Miller has built at LCSD. Starting as a patrol deputy, she quickly advanced to the major crimes unit as an investigator, worked as a detective in property crimes, and was promoted to her current role as a training sergeant in 2022. She also serves on the crisis negotiators team, gaining invaluable experience and opportunities to learn along the way.

A career that’s always moving forward

At LCSD, careers don’t stagnate. They grow. The department provides a wealth of specialized roles and ongoing training opportunities to keep pace with the evolving challenges and changing dynamics of the law enforcement profession.

“The training here has been outstanding,” Miller said. “We are always expanding, keeping pace with the current events, the current challenges in law enforcement.”

For recruits, this means a department that invests in its people, offering them the chance to develop professionally while pursuing roles that align with their skills and interests. Whether you’re interested in community policing, crisis negotiation or advanced investigative work, LCSD offers the support and training to help you succeed.

LCSD has a team like no other

While the opportunities for advancement and growth are exceptional, Miller emphasizes the people she works alongside every day are a key reason she loves her career.

“One of the aspects I value most about working with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is the people who I work with and have the pleasure to serve with,” Miller said. “The folks that I work with here have the highest level of integrity, of professionalism, of training and experience, and commitment to what they do.”

The camaraderie and shared commitment at the department create an environment in which employees feel supported, respected and inspired to make a real impact.

Join LCSD and make a difference

Sgt. Miller’s story is just one example of how LCSD fosters a culture of growth, teamwork  and dedication to the community. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone considering law enforcement for the first time, LCSD has a career path for you. Contact us today to start your journey.

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How LCSD’s Sgt. Willie Harris turned a childhood dream into a thriving law enforcement career

When Sergeant Willie Harris joined the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, he was fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a deputy and stepping into a team that felt more like a family. Harris, a Florence, South Carolina, native, grew up inspired by police officers on television, and today, he’s living that dream while making a meaningful impact in LCSD’s Patrol Division.

When he applied, Harris knew LCSD was different. He had heard about the strong community support for law enforcement in Lexington County, a support that still resonates with him today.

“People pay for my meals all the time,” Harris said. “Why not want to come to work for an agency where you have the community behind you?”

That sense of support didn’t stop with the community. Over several years with the department, Harris has experienced firsthand the camaraderie and encouragement of his coworkers.

“If you ever get into any type of issues, ever have any questions…you know that here at this department, you can lean on your teammates to assist you,” Harris said. “These guys are different. I love working with them.”

A culture of growth and resilience

Harris’ story is one of growth. In roughly five years, he rose through the ranks, starting as a patrol deputy and moving up to field training officer, master deputy and sergeant. This quick trajectory, Harris said, is thanks to the department’s emphasis on professional development and recognizing talent.

“I never in a million years would’ve imagined getting promoted as quickly as I have,” Harris said. “But at the end of the day, when you’re out here doing your work to the best of your abilities, people observe that. The right people have observed that.”

Harris’ favorite part of his job is training recruits. He values the opportunity to teach them the right way to do things, while also learning and growing himself. This passion for training reflects the department’s larger culture of collaboration and mentorship, where deputies are encouraged to support one another and grow together.

Prepared for the challenges

As a law enforcement officer, Harris has faced his fair share of challenges. From difficult calls to emotionally taxing situations, resilience is a skill he’s mastered on the job. He credits the department with providing the support and resources to navigate these challenges successfully.

“You see a lot of different things on TV, killings and shootings and things of that nature. Once you become a cop, you’re going to see and hear about things similar to that on a day-to-day basis,” Harris said. “Being able to emotionally handle those stressors is something I’ve definitely handled really well.”

This balance between facing the realities of the job and receiving support from both peers and leadership makes LCSD stand out from other agencies.

Why Join the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department?

Sgt. Harris’ journey reflects the unique culture at LCSD which combines strong community ties, a family-like work environment and opportunities for career advancement.

If you’re considering a career in law enforcement, Harris’ story is a testament to what’s possible at LCSD. Are you ready to take the next step? Apply today.

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