By Betsy Finklea
A special session of circuit court, conducted by Judge James E. Lockemy in the historic Dillon County Courthouse, was held on Wednesday, January 3rd, to swear in Sheriff Jamie Hamilton, his deputies, and his detention center officers.
Several public officials were in attendance including Dillon Mayor Tally McColl, County Administrator Tim Harper, Former Sheriff Harold Grice, County Councilman Buzzy Finklea, and County Council Vice-Chairwoman Detrice Dawkins along with many of Hamilton’s family members and friends.
Judge Lockemy explained the process of taking the oath of office and why it is done the way it is.
Lockemy said it was sad that we lost the last Sheriff Douglas Pernell, who had worked so hard to become Sheriff and had done a wonderful job. He said Pernell had faith in his chief deputy Jamie Hamilton and the people of Dillon County also showed they had faith in him by electing him to office. He said we all think we know the plan, but the good Lord lets us know he is in charge.
Dr. James Orr of Pyerian Baptist Church read two scriptures, Romans, Chapter 13, Verse 1, and Romans, Chapter 14, Verse 12. Then Dr. Orr gave an opening prayer.
After this, the detention officers were sworn in followed by the deputies.
Then Sheriff Hamilton was sworn in with his wife, Anna Michelle, and his sons, Connor and Collin, by his side. The Bible in the courthouse was used, the same on Judge Lockemy used.
After the swearing in, Sheriff Hamilton, who has been in law enforcement for 30 years, said a few words of sincere thanks. He said everyone came together in a collaborative effort and he couldn’t have done it without everyone.
After Sheriff Hamilton’s remarks, the 83 deputies and detention officers in attendance came to the center of the courtroom where Dr.Orr gave a blessing and prayer. Sheriff Hamilton noted that several were not in attendance due to the flu.
Before the ceremony concluded, Judge Lockemy, who was sitting back behind the desk which is the only surviving piece from the 1911 courtroom, noted that this may well be his final time holding court in the Dillon County Courtroom. He said he had been a judge for 34 1/2 years, and it had been an honor. He said he never expected to have come this far growing up in Newtown. Lockemy said he hoped he had lived up to the expectations of the public. He thanked everyone and said it was an honor to serve.