The race to replace long-time Sheriff Michael Hunt in Aiken County started with a bang over a year ago when he made an official endorsement.
Capt. Marty Sawyer, of the Aiken Department of Public Safety, not only got the blessing of the retiring lawman in January 2023 but also the support from the coroner, solicitor, mayor of Aiken, city council members and a neighboring sheriff.
Since then, two other Republicans – veteran officer Ed Wilson and retired ACSO deputy Stuart Prettel – secured spots in the June 11 primary. Also, Richmond County Sheriff’s Lt. Lucas Grant filed as a Democrat to oppose the Republican winner in November.
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Here’s a look at each candidate’s background and issues they are running on:
Capt. Marty Sawyer:
Capt. Sawyer has served as the captain of investigations for the Aiken Department of Public Safety since 2012. He began his career as a fire cadet at age 16, initially considering a lifelong commitment to firefighting. However, his aspirations shifted towards law enforcement, leading him to join Aiken Public Safety in 1989, where he excelled in various roles including patrolman, Special Operations, and narcotics investigations, under the mentorship of Mike Hunt.
Capt. Sawyer outlined his priorities, including strengthening community bonds, combatting gangs and the drug trade, advocating for better resources and pay for deputies, and addressing mental health concerns among law enforcement personnel.
His announcement garnered support from various community leaders and law enforcement officials, emphasizing his commitment to serving the county and ensuring transparency in budget management. Capt. Sawyer emphasized the importance of collaboration in making Aiken County safer and expressed confidence in leading the community towards a more secure future.
In a recent Facebook post, Capt. Sawyer said, “As your next Sheriff, my priorities are simple: Maintain a prepared, trained staff, provide transparency and accountability when it comes to your tax dollars, and engage the community through strategic local partnerships to keep our communities safe.”
Ed Wilson:
Wilson brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to public service to his candidacy, starting from his time as a Reserve Police Officer and extending through his service in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam. Throughout his career, Wilson has held diverse roles, including Undercover Narcotics Agent and Chief of Police.
What distinguishes Wilson is his multifaceted skill set and leadership acumen, evident in his roles as a Small Business Owner and Director of the U.S. Academy of Bail Enforcement, in addition to his law enforcement experience. His current position running Georgia-Carolina Bail Bonds adds practical insight into the challenges facing law enforcement agencies and communities.
Wilson’s qualifications, including degrees in Criminal Justice and General Studies, along with his military honors like the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, highlight his dedication and valor, further validated by affiliations with prestigious organizations and recognition in publications like GQ Magazine.
In his campaign announcement, Wilson underscored his commitment to innovative policing approaches and building trust between law enforcement and residents in Aiken County. His vision revolves around maintaining law and order while fostering accountability and community engagement.
Stuart Prettel:
Prettel, a retired deputy, police officer, and State Constable, has served the community since 1977. Retired from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, he emphasizes his intimate awareness of the agency’s problems, citing rampant crime, understaffed police agencies, and nationwide fear due to riots, demonstrations, and police defunding.
He believes the solution lies in the ballot box and pledges to create a healthy, safe, and efficient work environment for law enforcement personnel within the sheriff’s office.
Key issues in Prettel’s platform include the establishment of a dedicated narcotics division aimed at combating the county’s drug epidemic. He emphasizes the need for hard work, commitment, and instilling fear in criminals to address this pressing issue. Additionally, Prettel wants to empower deputies by fostering a sense of belonging and support within the sheriff’s office, offering clear pathways to professional growth and promotion.
A Vietnam Era veteran and long-time resident of Aiken County for 35 years, Prettel is rooted in the community, with active involvement in Millbrook Baptist Church and a loving family, including a son who serves as a deputy sheriff in South Carolina.
Lt. Lucas Grant:
Lt. Grant, a former officer with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, filed to run as a Democrat in Aiken County, where he lives. On Nov. 5, he will face the winner of the Republican primary. He currently works with the Wagener Police Department, serving as a resource officer at Wagener-Salley High School.
Lt. Grant highlighted his roots in the community and his commitment to safety. He described himself as a law enforcement officer and community servant with a vision centered on being “Aware, Accountable, and Available.” His personal connection to Aiken County, having been a victim of gun violence with his father murdered there, drives his dedication to ensuring the safety of his own family and the wider community.
Lt. Grant has garnered praise for his accomplishments, including high arrest, conviction, and solvability rates in the Criminal Investigations Division. Notably, he played a pivotal role in dismantling numerous gangs as part of the first gang unit. Beyond enforcement, Grant has spearheaded various community programs, such as the Unspoken Gift, fostering bonds with families affected by homicide, and initiatives like Popsicle with a Cop and Thanksgiving meal programs aimed at strengthening community ties.
In his campaign, Lt. Grant emphasizes a holistic approach to public safety, focusing on addressing crime at its root causes and fostering empathy and communication within law enforcement.
