Deputies past and present have been gathering for more than a quarter century
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
SHERIFF LEON LOTT AND THE RICHLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT (RCSD) hosted the department’s 27th annual retirees’ luncheon at RCSD’s Denny Terrace training headquarters substation – the cafeteria-auditorium of the former Denny Terrace Elementary School – Monday, March 10.
An estimated 100-plus retired RCSD deputies, not including many actively serving deputies (including new hires) and deputy supervisors, gathered for the annual informal fellowship, remembrances of those who have passed away since the previous year’s luncheon, special recognitions for living retirees, and a state-of-the-department briefing from Sheriff Lott.
“Our retirees are family to us,” said Lott, who has been hosting the retirees’ luncheon since 1998. “For 27 years now we’ve met over a meal like this, not to mention other smaller planned and impromptu get-togethers we have throughout the year.”
He added, “Our retirement luncheon is an important tradition that will continue for us.”
As part of the gathering, Lott recognized several newly hired deputies all of whom are in varying stages of their individual training: A few were retired and former military veterans. Some had recently completed training at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA). Others are yet to begin the SCCJA phase of training. Several new-hires regularly workout with Lott and others at the RCSD Crossfit facility in northeast Columbia.
The Sheriff also discussed recent crimes and ongoing investigations, the loss of several RCSD K-9s, and the fact that the department’s Criminal Investigations Division was tasked with investigating 26 murders in 2024, all of which have been solved. “Only one murder so far in 2025,” said Lott. “Though one is one too many.”
Also discussed was the 911 dispatch facility (call center) and the fact that the transfer of 911-call responsibilities from the City of Columbia to RCSD will take place later this year. “Hopefully in July,” Lott said.
Plaques were presented to many of the retirees along with wristwatches for all attending retirees: The watches were emblazoned with the RCSD-badge logo.
As always, Lott encouraged the attendees to “look out for” their fellow retired and former deputies, to keep the department updated as to any changes in their own situations, and to let RCSD deputies and others know what their needs are. “We must always reach out to and care for one another as a family,” Lott added.
Following the luncheon, retirees were invited to the RCSD rifle-pistol range for annual marksmanship training and qualification.
Retirees who also served under the late Richland County Sheriff Frank Powell also met for lunch at Murray’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in Cayce on Wednesday, March 12.
Powell served as sheriff of Richland County from 1969 until 1988.
Sheriff Lott joined RCSD as a young patrol officer under Sheriff Powell in 1975.
“Now 50 years ago,” Lott said. “He was a great mentor.”
Powell passed away in Jan. 2001.
