Richland County deputies risk their lives daily. They protect people and property, often under adverse conditions. Providing equipment when it is needed, rather than when dollars become available was, and still is, The Richland County Sheriff's Foundation's primary goal. The match of dollars to needs isn't always perfectly timed. And the time lost attempting to obtain equipment can cost the lives of law enforcement officers.

The Richland County Sheriff's Foundation was formed with the objective to purchase bulletproof vests for the unprotected officers in the field. Over two hundred bulletproof vests have been purchased so far and they remain an ongoing priority. In 1998, Sheriff Leon Lott informed the members of the Foundation's Board of Directors that some of deputies had no way to communicate with other officers or even the dispatcher when out of their patrol car. Walkie-talkies were desperately needed!

The 10-member Board went to work raising funds, primarily through their annual Golf Classic. Over $150,000 has been raised for life-saving equipment to date. Walkie-talkies, off-road bikes, winter gear for bike officers, hand-held metal detectors - even a camera to create IDs for school kids.If there is a need, The Richland County Sheriff's Foundation works to find a way to fulfill that need. Additionally, the Foundation has been the helping hand that reaches out when an officer is injured or killed in the line of duty.

If you would like to help, tax-deductible contributions can be made to:

Richland County Sheriff's Foundation PO Box 1182 Columbia, South Carolina 29202

For further information contact Joni James, Foundation President JJames@RCSD.NET 803-429-6659