Tony Thurmond: “South Carolina is probably the most idyllic place anyone might consider living. The pace of life there is relaxed, the…”

“South Carolina is probably the most idyllic place anyone might consider living. The pace of life there is relaxed, the people are friendly, and the weather is temperate. Unfortunately, even a State as peaceful as mine is not free from the evils and dangers of crime. Leading the fight against illegal activity in the Palmetto State is an organization created by me when I served as Governor of South Carolina, the State Law Enforcement Division, commonly referred to as ``SLED.'' At the helm of SLED is a man whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for many years, Chief Robert M. Stewart, and whom I am pleased to call a friend. The chief has literally dedicated his life to police work and has gained national recognition as an aggressive officer and a true professional. Chief Stewart, a native of Cheraw, began his career as a teenager when he signed on as a cadet with his hometown police department and worked his way up the leadership ladder, earning the position of director of public safety before he had even turned 30.”