As the holiday season approaches, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is again joining forces with Mission Lexington to ensure families across our community have a warm, full meal to share together.

Through the Friends Feeding Friends initiative, Mission Lexington provides holiday meals to families in need in addition to its regular monthly food pantry program, which already serves around 2,000 people each month. The program brings together local partners, volunteers and law enforcement to put traditional holiday staples on the table for neighbors facing tough times.

“We want to make sure that families are getting their normal food every month through the pantry,” said Amy Reeves, chief executive officer of Mission Lexington. “We’re also providing them with a holiday meal they can put on their table.”

To make that possible, LCSD deputies will be out in the community helping to collect donations during several upcoming Friends Feeding Friends food drives. This year’s events will take place at local grocery stores across Lexington County:

Holiday food drive dates

• Nov. 24–26: Lowes Foods (2440 Augusta Hwy)
• Nov. 28: Lowes Foods (2440 Augusta Hwy)
• Dec. 3–5: Lowes Foods (2440 Augusta Hwy)
• Dec. 10–12: Sam’s Club (350 Harbison Blvd)
• Dec. 17–19: Wal-Mart (1780 S Lake Dr.)

Community members are invited to visit any of these locations to donate nonperishable food items that help make up a complete holiday meal.

A partnership built on care

Mission Lexington’s partnership with the Sheriff’s Department goes far beyond the holidays. Deputies regularly connect residents in need with Mission Lexington’s resources throughout the year, whether it’s after a house fire, a domestic violence situation or another crisis.

“Deputies carry cards with Mission Lexington’s contact information in their patrol cars,” Reeves said. “When they meet someone who needs help, they can hand them a card and say, ‘Go there this afternoon, they can help you right away.’ That connection makes an immediate difference.”

Mission Lexington offers wraparound support including food, clothing, household essentials, rent and mortgage assistance, and more. LCSD’s close relationship with the organization helps ensure people in crisis get connected to those resources quickly.

Reeves added deputies also make a point to stop by the mission, check in and make sure staff feel safe and supported.

“They go above and beyond to make sure we’re doing OK,” she said. “It means so much to see familiar faces who care about us while we’re taking care of others.”

Making an impact together

As the need for assistance continues to grow, the partnership between LCSD and Mission Lexington remains a vital link for neighbors who need a helping hand. Every can, every donation and every shared hour of service adds up to something bigger: hope.

“We’re grateful to stand beside Mission Lexington again this season,” Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Together, we’re helping ensure no family in our community has to go without a holiday meal.”

To learn more about Mission Lexington and ways to give, visit missionlexingtonsc.org.

 

When students from the University of South Carolina stepped inside the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department this fall, they got more than a glimpse of daily operations. They experienced the many paths a law enforcement career can take.

The event, part of USC’s Spurs Up job-shadowing program, connected more than 20 students with deputies, investigators and leadership across multiple LCSD divisions and units. From patrol and forensics, to drones and canine operations, the hands-on experience gave students a real-world look at the skills, teamwork, and purpose behind the badge.

A partnership built on opportunity

The collaboration began when USC reached out to LCSD about its new experiential learning program. For Sgt. Dan Rusinyak, who leads recruitment and internship coordination for the department, saying yes was an easy decision.

“USC asked if we’d be interested in hosting students, and it was a no-brainer,” Rusinyak said. “We’re always looking for ways to connect with people who are curious about law enforcement and want to see what we’re all about.”

Since launching last year, the partnership has continued to grow. The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds including criminal justice, business, psychology, sociology, music, and religion. This reflects the wide range of skills represented across the department.

“It’s not just for criminal justice majors,” Rusinyak added. “We have deputies with all kinds of degrees, and this program gives students that same insight. It shows them there’s a place for many different strengths in law enforcement.”

Inside the day: From CSI to drones

Students rotated through presentations from specialized teams, including crime scene investigators, domestic violence and major crimes units, and the K-9 and drone teams. One highlight, according to Rusinyak, was a live drone demonstration from Investigator Senn, which captivated everyone in the room.

“They’d seen drones on the news, but watching one operate just a few feet away made a huge impact,” Rusinyak said. “Moments like that make it real.”

For deputy Jeramie Mackinson, a member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, the event was a chance to give students a realistic look at one of the department’s most complex units.

“A lot of people think of the bomb squad and imagine the movies, but it’s a very technical field,” Mackinson said. “We handle everything from chemical threats and fireworks to suspicious packages, and it takes constant training and teamwork.”

Mackinson said he hopes the visit helped students see how much problem-solving and precision go into every aspect of public safety. “What we do requires patience, communication, and trust,” he said. “If even one student walked away understanding that, it’s worth it.”

Hands-on learning also helped clear up common misconceptions. Many students arrived with expectations shaped by TV shows and movies, only to discover how much precision and coordination real investigations require.

“They realize how detailed and involved the work is,” Rusinyak said. “It’s an eye-opener, and that’s exactly the goal.”

Building future connections

For LCSD, the program is not just about showcasing what the department does. It is about creating a pathway for future careers. The agency offers spring, summer and fall internships that immerse students in every part of a full-service department, from patrol and investigations to court services and detention.

“The internship program gives students a front-row seat to all three pillars of the criminal justice system,” Rusinyak said. “It’s the best way to find out if this career is right for you.”

Many LCSD deputies, including members of command staff, are USC alumni. That connection between the university and the department continues to grow stronger every year.

“This is our home,” Rusinyak said. “We’re both part of the Midlands community, and we’re proud to invest in each other. It’s a model for how agencies and universities should work together.”

Continuing the partnership

As the Spurs Up partnership continues to grow, LCSD remains committed to offering students meaningful, behind-the-scenes experiences and inspiring the next generation of public safety professionals.

For students or schools interested in learning more about internship opportunities or similar partnerships, Sgt. Rusinyak encourages reaching out directly.

“Whether you’re from USC or another college in South Carolina, we welcome you to come see what we do,” he said. “If you’re curious, this is the perfect place to find your fit.”

For more information about LCSD internship opportunities, contact Sgt. Rusinyak at drusinyak@lcsd.sc.gov or call 803-904-2124.

When people think of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, they often picture deputies patrolling neighborhoods or investigators solving crimes. But behind the scenes, another critical part of law enforcement is at work, one that uses science to serve justice. In honor of National Chemistry Week, we’re spotlighting one of the agency’s unsung heroes: Meg Walker, one of LCSD’s in-house chemists.

Walker isn’t your typical lab scientist. While her work might take place behind closed doors rather than on the streets, her impact reaches every corner of the community. For more than nine years, she has analyzed narcotics, supported investigations and even testified in court, all while based in LCSD’s drug laboratory.

“I analyze suspected narcotics that are brought in off the road, whether they’re from our narcotics division or other surrounding agencies,” Walker explained. “Day to day, I could be collecting evidence, running analyses, writing reports or even explaining my findings in front of a jury.”

Having in-house chemists like Walker gives LCSD a major advantage. Instead of sending evidence to an external lab and waiting months for results, cases can be processed locally and more efficiently, helping ensure justice moves forward without unnecessary delay.

“The positives of having a chemist in-house are that we can focus directly on our community,” she said. “We’re expediting cases, making sure they’re done in a timely fashion and that we’re available to go to court when needed.”

From Delaware to Lexington County

Walker’s journey into forensic chemistry began long before she joined LCSD. Inspired by both of her grandfathers, one a lineman who taught her about physics, and another a chemist who worked with automotive paints, she grew up fascinated by how the world works.

“I’ve always loved mysteries and problem-solving,” Walker shared. “So when I got to college, I found a degree that combined those passions, forensic chemistry.”

She went on to earn her degree in forensic chemistry with a minor in criminal justice from York College of Pennsylvania. After graduating, she applied for a crime scene investigator position at LCSD, but fate had other plans.

“I didn’t realize at the time that most CSI positions here are law enforcement roles,” Walker said with a laugh. “But they told me a chemist position had just opened up. I didn’t fully know what it would entail until I showed up and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Science, service and a little NCIS

Inside the lab, Walker and her lab partner, Kyle, form a two-person team responsible for testing a range of substances, from narcotics to THC concentration in marijuana samples. Each case requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of chemical processes.

“The evidence comes into our lab, and then we start the process,” Walker explained. “We itemize everything, weigh it, do initial color tests and then run confirmatory testing using the gas chromatography mass spectrometer, or GCMS.”

For those wondering what that looks like, Walker offers a pop culture comparison.

“If you’ve ever seen NCIS, it’s kind of like the machine Abby Sciuto uses,” she said with a smile. “That was actually part of the agreement I had with my mom when I went into forensics. I could be like Abby, as long as I didn’t come home with tattoos and dog collars.”

Sharing her passion for science

Outside of the lab, Walker enjoys another aspect of her job just as much educating others. She  visits local schools to talk about the world of forensics and inspire the next generation of scientists.

“I love going to schools and talking to kids about science and how cool it is,” she said. “When I tell them I work with drugs, they look shocked at first, but then I explain that I’m helping make sure those drugs don’t end up in schools or on the streets.”

She brings along test tubes, pipettes and other lab tools to help students visualize what she does. Her goal is simple: make science fun, accessible and relevant.

“With science, there’s always a problem to solve,” Walker said. “You see a reaction, you ask questions and you figure out why it happens. For me, it’s like solving one big mystery.”

Supporting justice through science

Walker’s work doesn’t end when the analysis is done. As an expert witness, she has testified in court more than 18 times in her nine years with LCSD, explaining her findings to juries in cases that impact real lives.

“Between November and April of this year, I had five trials back-to-back,” she said. “It’s a busy schedule, but it’s rewarding to see how our work in the lab helps move cases forward.”

Beyond the courtroom, Walker and her colleague collaborate closely with deputies, investigators, solicitors and defense attorneys to ensure every step of the process is accurate and transparent.

“We want to make sure the process is smooth for everyone: law enforcement, the solicitor’s office or even the public,” she said. “We don’t want anyone waiting on the justice system or otherwise waiting on a case because of delays in testing.”

Celebrating National Chemistry Week

As National Chemistry Week shines a spotlight on the vital role chemistry plays in our everyday lives, Walker’s story is a reminder that the field extends far beyond classrooms and laboratories. In Lexington County, chemistry is helping solve crimes, protect citizens and bring justice to the community.

“It’s science in action,” Walker said. “Every test we run and every result we report has a real impact on someone’s life.”

From inspiring students to ensuring accurate evidence in the courtroom, Walker’s work proves chemistry isn’t just about formulas, it’s about making a difference.

Interested in a career that combines science and public service?

Visit joinlcsd.com to learn more about how you can join a team committed to safety, integrity and innovation.

Crime can happen anywhere in Lexington County. From busy neighborhoods to quiet rural areas, everyone plays a role in keeping our communities safe. Whether you are watching over your children in a suburban area or safeguarding your property in the country, preventing crime starts with awareness and action.

At the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, our goal is simple: make Lexington County a safer place. We can’t do it alone. You can help as a watchful neighbor, a caring parent or even as a member of our team.

Neighborhood safety: Protecting your family

Families can take practical steps every day to stay safe:

• Stay informed about your children’s whereabouts. Make sure your children ask permission before leaving home and check in regularly.

• Memorize important contact information. Children should know their home address and your phone numbers. If that is difficult, write it on a card they can carry.

• Set clear boundaries. Let your children know where they can and cannot go. Avoid busy streets, unknown areas and abandoned buildings.

• Get to know their friends. Meet the parents of your children’s friends and confirm there will be responsible supervision. Keep contact information handy.

• Identify safe places. Establish trusted neighbors’ homes or nearby public spots your children can go to if they feel unsafe.

• Connect with your neighbors. Communities that watch out for each other are stronger and safer. Stay alert and communicate concerns.
  

Rural safety: Protecting property and livelihood

Rural areas face different risks. Theft of crops, timber, livestock and equipment is a serious concern, but careful planning can prevent loss and stress.

• Secure every entry point. Lock homes, barns and storage buildings with reliable doors and locks.

• Use lighting strategically. Timers and outdoor lights can deter crime and make your property safer at night.

• Label equipment clearly. Mark tools and machinery with unique identification to help recover stolen items.

• Watch out for neighbors. While working or traveling around the county, check on neighbors’ property and report anything unusual to them and to us.

Community involvement: Neighborhood Watch programs and careers

Neighborhood Watch programs are one of the most effective ways to prevent crime. They strengthen communication, awareness and mutual support. We can help you get one started in your area.

If you want to take an even more active role, consider joining the Sheriff’s Department. Serving your community goes beyond enforcing the law, it means supporting families, protecting neighbors and standing up for what is right every day. We are always looking for dedicated individuals committed to making a difference.

Interested in Law Enforcement?

Visit JoinLCSD.com or call 803-785-8230 to learn more about joining the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Be a partner. Be a protector. Be the difference.

Your actions can keep Lexington County safe and your involvement could grow into a meaningful career. Whether you are watching your neighborhood, looking out for your family or serving the county full-time, you have the power to make a real impact.

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.

Every day, deputies across Lexington County put on their uniform to serve and protect. And while many think of patrol cars and emergency calls, there’s another unit that plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe, before emergencies even happen.

Meet the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Division.

This specialized team focuses not just on writing tickets, but on preventing crashes, saving lives and educating drivers of all ages about how to stay safe on the road. Their mission is simple: reduce loss of life and property damage through enforcement, awareness and education.

A team driven by purpose

At full staffing, the Traffic Division includes 11 deputies. The unit is led by a sergeant; however, the responsibilities are shared across the unit: proactive enforcement of traffic laws, thorough investigation of vehicle collisions and constant visibility across high-incident areas in the county.

The division is split into three teams with rotating schedules, giving the department maximum coverage throughout the day and week.

A day in the life

A traffic deputy’s day begins early, around 7 a.m. After a quick equipment check, the focus shifts to school zones and morning rush-hour monitoring. Deputies are strategically placed in areas with high traffic volume to watch for unsafe driving behaviors.

Once the morning commute subsides, the real detective work begins. Deputies shift their attention to high-incident areas, special events and directed patrols, all based on data that tells them where problems are likely to occur. As the afternoon wears on, it’s back to the roads for the evening rush and continued enforcement.

But don’t mistake them for static enforcers. They also respond to calls for service, assist with public education events and engage with community members on safe driving habits. Every day is different, but the mission stays the same.

Why traffic?

For one deputy, the answer is personal.

“As a child I always wanted to be two things: a soldier and a police officer,” he shared. “After my military career, I joined law enforcement. But early on, I became a victim of impaired driving. That emotional experience changed me. I knew then I wanted to dedicate my work to traffic safety and prevention. That’s where I could make the biggest impact.”

Training that goes beyond the basics

To join the LCSD Traffic Division, you first need to be a certified Class 1 law enforcement officer through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. But that’s just the beginning.

Specialized traffic deputies undergo extensive additional training in areas such as:

• Speed measurement
• DUI detection
• Standardized field sobriety testing
• Collision investigation

And the best part? If a deputy shows passion and drive for this kind of work, LCSD makes sure they get the training, free of charge.

Campaigns that save lives

Traffic deputies are also key players in annual statewide and national campaigns targeting critical times of the year for road safety. These include:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving
• Deadliest Days of Summer
• Operation Southern Slowdown

Each campaign zeroes in on a particular threat, such as impaired driving, speeding or distracted driving and puts deputies in high-risk areas to reduce incidents through presence, education and enforcement.

A bigger network: The 11th Circuit LEN

Lexington County is part of the South Carolina 11th Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Network, one of 16 regional networks across the state.

These networks bring together traffic enforcement officers, prosecutors and even judges to coordinate enforcement strategies, provide training and support each other with shared resources. It’s a collaborative effort that strengthens traffic safety across all 46 counties in South Carolina.

Protecting the youngest riders

Currently, two deputies on the team are certified child passenger seat technicians, a credential that requires more training than most people realize. This allows the department to offer critical support to parents, caregivers and schools in properly installing and using child safety seats. It’s another way the team goes above and beyond enforcement to truly protect the community.

Final thought from the field

Traffic deputies don’t just write tickets, they change lives. They’re teachers, enforcers, first responders and, often, the first line of defense against tragic loss on our roads.

They work to make sure everyone, from a teen driver heading to school to a family on vacation, gets home safely.

And that’s a job worth slowing down for.

Want to learn more?

Follow the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department on social media to see updates from the Traffic Division and the rest of our team. For upcoming safety campaigns, events or traffic enforcement updates, visit www.lexingtonsheriff.com.

If you’re interested in a career with LCSD or want to learn more about specialized units like Traffic, consider applying or reaching out directly.

Because the work they do isn’t just about roads and rules. It’s about people. And keeping them safe, one mile at a time.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, hundreds of community members will lace up their sneakers and team up for one of Lexington County’s most energetic and impactful traditions—the 12th Annual JailBreak Escape Urban Challenge Run. More than just a race, this unique event is a chance to rally together, challenge yourself and directly support the brave men and women of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

A challenge with a cause 

Hosted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation, the JailBreak Escape isn’t your average 5K. This crossfit style obstacle course is designed to test both your endurance and your creativity, whether you’re a competitive athlete or just out for some fun.

But beneath the sweat and high-fives lies a greater mission: raising funds to support law enforcement initiatives that aren’t covered by the county budget. Since its inception, this race has raised over $100,000, to support training, purchase safe equipment and other professional law enforcement services.

Built by the community, for the community 

The JailBreak Escape thrives on the strength of Lexington’s community. It’s a race where neighbors become teammates, families run alongside first responders and local businesses sponsor a safer future.

Every participant—whether sprinting to win or strolling with a smile—joins a movement that emphasizes unity, health and hometown pride. It’s also a rare opportunity to interact with local deputies outside of official duties and build the kind of trust and respect that safe communities are built on.

“This race is more than overcoming obstacles–it’s about overcoming barriers in our community. The energy, the smiles, the teamwork–it’s what Lexington is all about” Sheriff Jay Koon said. 

Make your escape count, get involved

Join us: 

• Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8 a.m. at 541 Gibson Road
•  3.1-mile course features urban terrain and a variety of exciting obstacles, designed for all fitness levels.
• All participants must sign up in teams of two—so grab a friend or family member and register together! Don’t have a partner? No problem—we’ll match you with one.
•  Register here early for just $25 (price increases to $35 after July 31).
  Prefer to support from the sidelines? Volunteer, donate or come out to cheer on the runners. 

Every role makes a difference. When you participate, volunteer or even just cheer from the sidelines, you’re joining a team that believes in service, connection and community-first values. 

If you’re driven to make a difference and want to join the Lexington County team that puts people first, we invite you to explore career opportunities with LCSD and apply.