Detention Center renamed to honor Campbell
Darlington County Council vice chair Le Flowers (right) reads Resolution 675, renaming the county jail in honor of retired Sheriff Glenn Campbell, seen here with his family and Sheriff Tony Chavis.
Photo by Samantha Lyles
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
Darlington County Council has taken steps to recognize the career and legacy of a local legend by renaming the county jail after retired Sheriff Glenn Campbell.
Council unanimously approved Resolution 675, a measure which will rename the Darlington County Detention Center as the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center.
Campbell served 14 years with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and was elected Darlington County Sheriff in 1984. He took office January 1, 1985 and held the post continuously for the next 24 years – longer than any other sheriff in county history dating back to 1784.
Vice chair Le Flowers read the resolution at Council’s April 3 regular meeting, accompanied by Sheriff Campbell and his family, and current Darlington County Sheriff Tony Chavis.
“W. Glenn Campbell has demonstrated loyalty, compassion, professionalism, and dedication to the citizens of Darlington County,” Flowers read.
Following passage of the resolution, members of Council shared words of appreciation for Campbell.
“Sheriff, I’d like to thank you for just being a gentleman. You were a fine sheriff and you represented the county well. For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve always conducted yourself in a diplomatic way and I appreciate it because you certainly set a legacy and a standard for those that follow you,” said Council member Lewis Brown.
“I want to commend the Sheriff for his fine service,” said Council member David Coker. “We appreciate all your tireless efforts…you mean a lot to our community.”
“I want to thank Darlington County Council for approving Resolution 675 to rename the detention center to the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center. Sheriff Glenn Campbell dedicated 24 years to the people of Darlington County. I have always admired Sheriff Campbell and I felt this was a great way to honor his dedication,” said Sheriff Tony Chavis.
Campbell thanked Council for the honor and reminisced briefly about working with members of Council – like former DCSO deputy sheriff Dannie Douglas and defense attorney Bobby Kilgo – on both sides of the courtroom.
“It’s just an honor for me to have (the detention center) named after me,” said Campbell, who left Council and the audience with a reminder that he remains a public servant at heart.
“If I can ever do anything to help you, I’ll do what I can,” Campbell said.
CLick this link to watch the renaming ceremony on YouTube.