Sheriff Leon Lott has two jobs. The first, he serves as The Sheriff of Richland County in South Carolina, ensuring the safety and security of his neighbors. The other he is The Commander of The South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force), tasked with protecting the citizens of the entire state.
General Lott started his career in The State Guard back in 2004, he became deputy commander in 2015, and in 2018 was bestowed the honor of becoming The Commanding General of the force. This past weekend The Governor of South Carolina and The Adjutant General (Senior National Guard General) had another surprise for Brigadier General Lott, they promoted him to the rank of Major General. During the ceremony The Governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster, mentioned “It doesn’t matter how many stars are on Leon Lott’s uniform. He’s been a star since the day he entered the law enforcement profession”.
Major General Lott had this to say about his promotion “To have your name mentioned with the likes of Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox and Thomas Sumter, who all led the soldiers of the SCSG, is one of the greatest rewards of my career,”.
We congratulate Major General Leon Lott on his promotion and thank him for his decades of service to South Carolina and The United States.
Richland County sheriff, who commands SC state guard, promoted to major general
By Joseph Bustos Updated February 04, 2023 3:03 PM
2023 3:03 PM Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, who commands the South Carolina State Guard, was promoted to major general on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, who commands the South Carolina State Guard, was promoted to major general on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. Provided photo Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, who commands the South Carolina State Guard, has been promoted to major general from brigadier general, according to a news release.
Lott who became a brigadier general in 2015, called the promotion an an honor and humbling.
“To have your name mentioned with the likes of Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox and Thomas Sumter, who all led the soldiers of the SCSG, is one of the greatest rewards of my career,”
Lott said in a statement. Lott joined the State Guard in 2004. He became deputy commander of the guard in 2015 and took command in 2018.
“He is respected and admired by his colleagues in the military and law enforcement,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in a news release. “He is trusted by the citizens of Richland County. And most of all, he is not popular among the criminal element. Leon Lott’s star of leadership shines brightly.”
Read more at: https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article272119787.html#storylink=cpy
A scene from MG Lott’s promotion ceremony on 3FEB.Governor Henry McMaster, who presided over the promotion said, “It doesn’t matter how many stars are on Leon Lott’s uniform. He’s been a star since the day he entered the law enforcement profession. Over the centuries, people have looked to stars to guide them, to give them direction, to lead them to a destination or task. Leon Lott is a star who has led the men and women of the South Carolina State Guard for over 4 years and Richland County Sheriff’s Department for over 26 years. He is beloved by his guardsmen and deputies, past and present. He is respected and admired by his colleagues in the military and law enforcement. He is trusted by the citizens of Richland County. And most of all, he is not popular among the criminal element. Leon Lott’s star of leadership shines brightly. And for that we are forever thankful.”
Sources: South Carolina State Guard – The State – WACH 57