On March 13, 2025, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation proudly hosted its Annual Awards Banquet, celebrating the outstanding dedication and service of the men and women of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. This year’s event held special significance as it marked the 26th anniversary of the foundation. Over the past 26 years, the foundation has tirelessly worked to enhance the quality of life in Lexington County, raising approximately $2 million to support the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts in keeping the community safe.
Each year, this banquet provides a platform to recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership and service. Among this year’s honorees, these individuals stood out for their extraordinary contributions across various divisions of the agency. Their hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration to all, highlighting the invaluable role of law enforcement in fostering a safer and stronger community.
Outstanding Civilian: Jody Clamp
Jody Clamp’s unwavering dedication has made a significant impact within the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. As a key member of the Sexual Offender Registry Division, he ensures the meticulous maintenance of accurate records for more than 500 convicted sex offenders in the county, thereby enhancing community safety.
Recognizing a critical gap in the notification process for local school districts, Jody took the initiative to develop and implement a streamlined system that guarantees the timely dissemination of information to appropriate authorities. His proactive approach also addressed the issue of nonpayment of registration fees by some offenders, leading to the creation of an effective enforcement plan in collaboration with LCSD’s Office of General Counsel and Lexington County magistrates.
Jody’s commitment to public safety went beyond his daily responsibilities when, in October, he intervened during a critical incident at headquarters. After Detective Scott Zylstra was seriously injured while attempting an arrest, Jody stepped in to prevent further harm and provided crucial suspect information, leading to a swift apprehension. For his selflessness and exemplary service, Jody Clamp was honored as the 2024 Outstanding Civilian.
Detention Deputy of the Year: Deputy Luke Keck
Beginning his law enforcement career straight out of high school at 18 years old, Deputy Keck quickly proved himself to be an invaluable asset to the Lexington County Detention Center. His keen observational skills earned him a reputation as a “bloodhound” for detecting contraband within the jail. In February 2024, his diligence led to the discovery of drugs hidden on incoming inmates and dangerous shanks within the facility.
Later in the year, Deputy Keck uncovered an illicit operation involving alcohol and prescription drug distribution among inmates. His investigative skills led to the identification and appropriate re-housing of those involved, ensuring a safer detention environment.
When severe flooding occurred in the detention center in November, Keck went above and beyond, using his resourcefulness to locate and resolve the issue, preventing further damage. Known for his positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to assist colleagues, Deputy Keck’s contributions have made a lasting impact, earning him the title of 2024 Detention Deputy of the Year.
Patrol Deputy of the Year: Master Deputy Steven Rinehart
On May 25, 2024, what began as a routine domestic standby call turned into a major breakthrough in crime prevention, thanks to the keen instincts of Master Deputy Steven Rinehart. Upon arriving at the scene, Rinehart identified a suspect with an active warrant for second-degree domestic violence. Rather than stopping there, he took the time to speak with family members and discovered that the suspect, a convicted felon, was illegally in possession of multiple firearms.
Acting on this information, Rinehart and fellow deputies obtained a search warrant, leading to the discovery of over 50 firearms—several stolen or with obliterated serial numbers—as well as multiple stolen vehicles and significant quantities of illegal drugs, including more than 400 grams of methamphetamine and 28 grams of cocaine.
This incident exemplifies Rinehart’s investigative prowess and determination to go beyond the call of duty. His ability to connect the dots and act decisively has led to numerous arrests and the recovery of stolen property throughout 2024, solidifying his recognition as 2024 Patrol Deputy of the Year.
Join Our Team
If you’re looking for a career where you can make a tangible difference in your community, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department offers numerous opportunities to serve. Whether you’re drawn to investigative work, detention services or community outreach, we invite you to explore our job board and find the role that’s right for you. Contact us today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in law enforcement.