Hardee will seek re-election
Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee. FILE PHOTO
By Stephan Drew, Editor
Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee is announcing his intention to seek reelection as a Republican candidate in the 2024 election. Hardee, who was first elected to the position in 2000, has dedicated over two decades of his life to serving the community in this crucial role.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science, Hardee brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his position. His commitment to the welfare of the community is evident through his years of service and his dedication to improving the lives of Darlington County residents.
“One common misconception is that the Coroner is part of law enforcement,” Hardee explained. “That’s not entirely accurate. It’s a system of checks and balances.” Indeed, the role of a coroner goes beyond investigations; it encompasses compassion, understanding, and the tireless pursuit of improving public safety.
Throughout his tenure as Darlington County Coroner, Hardee has consistently shown a willingness to go above and beyond to protect the community. His approach is characterized by a genuine desire to prevent deaths, not just to document them. One notable instance of this commitment came when a tragic choking incident occurred as a little boy attempted to enter a mobile home window. Hardee took immediate action to advocate for changes in mobile home window designs, specifically promoting “side slide” windows to prevent such incidents in the future.
Another significant contribution has been the initiation of Hunter Training Courses at the Swift Creek Fire Department. These courses have played a pivotal role in reducing preventable hunting accidents and saving lives. Hundreds of young people have completed this class.
Hardee’s office was also instrumental in originating one of the first “Child Death Review Committees” in South Carolina. There have been countless infant deaths that have been prevented as a direct result of information gathered from these reviews. Much to Hardee’s approval, all child deaths are now mandated by law to be investigated and documented by specific guidelines.
When asked about his future priorities Hardee said, “I don’t really care what kind of car I drive, what kind of office I have or where it’s located. If I can do everything in my power to serve the people of our community and help prevent further deaths, that’s all that matters to me.”
On October 2, 2023, J. Todd Hardee will officially announce his affiliation with the Republican Party at The Grand Old Post Office, located at 201 S. Pearl St. in Darlington.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his political journey, it is evident that his dedication to public safety and saving lives remains unwavering.