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.