Every Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in shaping our communities. At the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, we are proud to highlight two dedicated professionals whose bilingual skills and cultural understanding strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community we serve.

This month, we spotlight Lt. Luis Rivera and Victim Advocate Yesenia Gonzalez-Martinez, two leaders who exemplify compassion, professionalism and service.

Luis Rivera: Serving as a bridge in critical moments

For more than 22 years, Lt. Luis Rivera, who serves as our weeknight watch commander, has played a vital role at LCSD. He oversees operations during evening shifts when other members of our command staff are off duty. In this role, he ensures deputies have the support they need, whether that means authorizing resources such as K-9s or helicopters, or coordinating specialized units such as narcotics or major crimes.

But Rivera’s impact goes far beyond administrative duties. As one of LCSD’s bilingual deputies, he is often called upon to assist Spanish-speaking community members during high-stress situations. On average, he responds to five or six calls a week where translation is needed, sometimes over the phone, but often in person.

“Google Translate works great if you’re in a pinch. But there’s a lot of slang and words that don’t translate well,” Rivera said. “When I arrive, it gives people comfort to know someone understands their language. It puts them at ease.”

That sense of trust can de-escalate tense situations, especially for community members who might come from countries where law enforcement is not trusted. Rivera has witnessed firsthand how language access can strengthen relationships, whether helping victims share their stories or ensuring suspects understand their rights.

One case that stands out for Rivera was his very first homicide investigation. The suspect and the witnesses were Spanish speakers. His ability to translate helped bring clarity to the case, build trust with victims and ultimately secure a conviction. Years later, one of those witnesses still reaches out to Rivera when she encounters others in need of help.

For Rivera, language access is not about legal status or barriers, it’s about ensuring every person in Lexington County feels heard, protected and respected.

Yesenia Gonzalez-Martinez: Advocating for victims with compassion

Victim Advocate Yesenia Gonzalez-Martinez, a native of Puerto Rico, has dedicated her career to guiding victims of crime through some of the most difficult times in their lives. With a background as a patrol deputy, she brings field experience to her role as an advocate, ensuring victims understand their rights and have access to resources.

Her focus on serving the Hispanic community is especially impactful. Many Spanish-speaking victims feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with someone who not only speaks their language, but also understands their cultural background.

“They identify with me being a Spanish-speaking person,” Gonzalez-Martinez said. “That’s why they feel comfortable working with me.”

She assists victims of domestic violence, burglary, sexual assault and other crimes, helping them access services such as shelter, transportation, legal aid and emotional support. In court settings, she often accompanies victims to provide comfort and advocacy, ensuring they never face the system alone.

Her role extends beyond immediate crisis support, she is certified as a victim service provider and participates in continuous training through the Attorney General’s Office and other agencies. Gonzalez-Martinez is dedicated to making sure no language barrier prevents victims from receiving justice and care.

“It’s important for the Hispanic community to know that we are here to help them. They have rights,” she said.

Building trust, serving all

Both Rivera and Gonzalez-Martinez embody the values of service, empathy and cultural understanding that strengthen public safety in Lexington County. Their work reminds us law enforcement is about more than enforcing laws, it’s about building trust, fostering connections and ensuring every voice is heard.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we proudly recognize their contributions and reaffirm LCSD’s commitment to serving all members of our community with fairness, dignity and respect.

When you think of a law enforcement officer, the image that comes to mind might not always reflect the incredible diversity of the profession today. But across the country, and right here in Lexington County, women are showing up every day to protect and serve their communities – bringing strength, compassion and resilience to a historically male-dominated field.

In honor of National Police Woman Day 2025, we are proud to spotlight three outstanding deputies at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department: Sgt. Carleisha Gilliam, Investigator Katelyn Kniphfer and Investigator Kalie Kinder. These women have followed very different paths into law enforcement, but all three share the same dedication to service and commitment to making a difference.

Sgt. Carleisha Gilliam: Finding purpose in helping the most vulnerable

For Sgt. Carleisha Gilliam, law enforcement was never a question, it was a calling. Even as a young child, Gilliam would tell anyone who asked that she was going to be a police officer. Years later, she has made that childhood dream a reality, serving in the Professional Standards Division, after years in the Special Victims Unit.

After graduating from Lander University and attending graduate school at Columbia College, Gilliam joined LCSD in 2019 as a patrol deputy. Her work ethic and dedication were quickly recognized, and within two years, she was promoted to the Major Crimes Unit, where she worked on some of the most challenging cases involving children and vulnerable victims.

“It’s tough, but I couldn’t ask for a better team to go through it with,” Gilliam said. “We get each other through it, and we still do our job and maintain a good mental state.”

For Gilliam, personal growth has been just as important as professional development. “I learned that it’s ok to get uncomfortable because in this job, you have to be uncomfortable in order to grow.”

Investigator Katelyn Kniphfer: From the emergency room to the patrol car

Investigator Katelyn Kniphfer grew up around law enforcement. Her aunt worked for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and her uncle served with SLED. But before she picked up a badge, Kniphfer wore medical scrubs, working for nearly five years in a trauma hospital emergency room.

After earning a biology degree, she found herself craving more out of her career and a new way to serve. She joined LCSD and never looked back.

“I loved the adrenaline behind it,” Kniphfer said of her time in the medical profession. “I loved helping people, being there for them on their worst days and I still get to do that.”

Kniphfer has realized one of her career goals as she has recently joined the Major Crimes Unit.

She also encourages others who might be unsure about the law enforcement profession to explore it firsthand.

“We have an internship program, we have ride-alongs… just come hang out with us for a day.”

For Kniphfer, giving back to her hometown is one of the most fulfilling parts of the job.

Investigator Kalie Kinder: Creating a new home and a new future

Originally from Ohio, Investigator Kalie Kinder made the bold decision at 19 years old to move to South Carolina, hoping to find a community and career to challenge and inspire her. After enlisting in the National Guard as a military police soldier, she was introduced to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and quickly found the family she had been looking for.

“We’re here more than we are home, so it’s really easy to make friends and just make your own family here,” Kinder said. “I feel more at home here than I do at my house.”

Kinder completed her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice while working full-time, a schedule that required plenty of discipline and drive. Those efforts helped her earn a spot on the Major Crimes Unit.

But her time on patrol delivered plenty of experience and a few unexpected challenges, like having to lasso a loose cow in the middle of the night with makeshift crime scene tape before a neighbor handed her a rope.

“You never know what each shift will bring,” Kinder said. “But every call and case teaches you something.”

Leading by Example, Serving with Strength

The stories of Gilliam, Kniphfer and Kinder are unique, but they each reflect a common truth: women in law enforcement are making a real impact. Their courage, commitment and compassion set an example – not just for other women considering this profession, but for everyone in the Lexington County community.

At the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, we are proud to support women who choose to serve and protect. Their strength is an inspiration. Their presence is a necessity. And their stories are just beginning.

If you or someone you know is interested in a career in law enforcement, we invite you to learn more about our open positions, ride-along opportunities and internship programs. You never know where one day at the Sheriff’s Department could lead.

Join us in celebrating National Police Woman Day 2025 and the exceptional women who wear the badge in Lexington County.